When the pandemic surfaced, the over 10,000 patients grappling with kidney disease in Mumbai became one of the most vulnerable groups, requiring dialysis every two to three days. Managing this group’s dialysis while preventing the spread of Covid-19 posed a significant challenge. In response, the BMC, in collaboration with the Mumbai Nephrology Group and IIT-Bombay, devised a technology-driven solution. This initiative ensured that 1,574 patients who tested positive for Covid-19 (or were suspected cases) between May and December 2020 received prompt appointments at one of the 25 dedicated dialysis centers. Dr. Jatin Kothari, a nephrologist and key planner of the ‘Covidialysis’ effort, stated that these patients secured appointments within 24 to 48 hours of registration.
A research article featured in a recent edition of the Indian Journal of Nephrology sheds light on how Mumbai successfully addressed the Covidialysis crisis. The article notes that nephrologists and engineers collaborated to develop a web-based portal, ensuring real-time availability information of dialysis slots for Covid-infected patients to all caregivers of chronic hemodialysis patients.
Dr. Kalpana Mehtra, the dean of Nair Hospital and a member of the Mumbai Nephrology Group, highlighted the challenges faced during the early stages of Covid, such as dialysis centers closing due to patient concerns and staff being affected. Transport issues also arose due to the lockdown. Dr. Vishwanath Billa from the Apex Kidney Foundation mentioned kidney patients who were positive and in need of a solution. The group approached IIT-B, and within 72 hours, the IIT-B team, led by Dr. Santosh Noronha, designed software that efficiently mapped every Covid-positive kidney patient to the nearest Covidialysis center.
To support this initiative, the BMC installed 75 dialysis machines in the public sector, 35 in the private sector, and 23 in centers specifically designated for Covid-positive patients. Additionally, two machines were reserved for suspected cases.