By | Dr Ashfaq Lone
Karnah, Kupwara: In a landmark moment for border healthcare, the first-ever dialysis procedure was successfully performed today at the Sub District Hospital (SDH) Tangdar, marking a historic breakthrough for the remote and mountainous region of Karnah in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Situated nearly 60 kilometers from Kupwara town, Karnah has long endured immense challenges due to its hilly terrain, treacherous roads, and frequent winter closures of the Sadhna Pass. For years, patients suffering from chronic kidney disease were compelled to travel to Srinagar, a journey spanning hundreds of kilometers — for life-saving dialysis treatment.
That struggle changed today. With the establishment of a fully functional dialysis unit at SDH Tangdar, patients can now receive advanced medical care within their own valley, closer to their homes and families. The development has been hailed as a turning point in Karnah’s healthcare journey, bringing relief, dignity, and hope to those who once faced exhausting travel for every treatment session.
Doctors and paramedical staff at SDH Tangdar, supported by district health authorities, worked relentlessly over the past months to set up and operationalize the dialysis unit. Their collective effort culminated today in the first successful dialysis procedure — a moment of pride and progress for the entire Karnah subdivision.
“This achievement means everything to our patients,” said a senior doctor at SDH Tangdar. “It eliminates the need for risky travel and ensures timely, safe, and affordable treatment for people who truly need it.”
Local residents have expressed heartfelt gratitude and joy, calling the development a lifesaving step for the border region. “This is not just a medical facility — it’s a message of hope,” said one resident. “For the first time, we feel that healthcare has truly reached our doorstep.”
The newly inaugurated dialysis unit represents more than just an infrastructural upgrade. It symbolizes medical self-reliance and inclusive progress, reflecting the government’s and healthcare workers’ commitment to improving services in far-flung, snow-prone areas.
With this achievement, Karnah steps into a new era of modern, accessible, and compassionate healthcare — an inspiring example of how determination and teamwork can overcome even the toughest geographical barriers.
