ISN RDRTF lends support in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake
According to reports from ISN RDRTF Chairman Wim Van Biesen, there are Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) casualties in three main hospitals in Pokhara, 150 kilometers Northwest of Kathmandu. There are nephrology services at the Western Regional Hospital (27 patients), Gandaki Medical College (30 patients) and the Manipal Teaching Hospital (15 patients). In these centres, only one patient actually has started dialysis, and 20 are being designated as high risk for AKI, so are being followed-up by nephrologist Dr Klara Paudel.
Some dialysis centers have been damaged, meaning that chronic patients have been relocated to functioning centers, which is causing some overload. The Task Force is currently helping to reorganise services to balance patient distribution.
A major issue continues to be mobility and accessibility. There is sufficient local expertise in the Nepalese nephrology community. Van Biesen explains: “We have decided to send one team at this stage. Of course, the situation might change if the number of AKI cases increases.”
To read about the Task Force’s first response, CLICK HERE. For further information about the ISN RDRTF, CLICK HERE.
The ISN Renal Disaster Relief Task Force (RDRTF) provides essential medical care to people in the wake of natural disasters. The Task Force consists of a worldwide network of experts in the management of patients with acute renal failure. It was created after the severe earthquake in Armenia in 1988 to provide future renal aid in action wherever needed around the globe. The Task Force works in close collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières.
