Gangtok: A water contamination issue at Sikkim’s STNM Hospital has led to a temporary halt in dialysis services, drawing criticism from the public and patients’ families. The issue was highlighted by patients and their relatives days ago, highlighting how dialysis services couldn’t be carried out.
On May 20, Health Minister Gay Tshering Dhungel addressed the concerns, attributing the crisis to recent landslides and heavy pre-monsoon rains that damaged water pipelines, leading to muddy water entering the hospital’s water supply.
“There is no question of negligence. As soon as the issue was identified, dialysis was stopped immediately, and alternative arrangements were made,” said Dhungel.
Patients requiring dialysis are being sent to district hospitals, private centers at reduced costs, and the Central Referral Hospital. The Minister confirmed that services there are now running 24/7, and BPL patients are receiving treatment free of cost.
The Minister assured that dialysis at STNM Hospital will resume by next Monday, stating that this incident is a wake-up call to strengthen water infrastructure. Plans for a dedicated hospital water line and rainwater harvesting systems are already under discussion.
He added that Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has issued strict directives to ensure continuous health services and implement long-term solutions to prevent future disruptions.