Peritoneal dialysis: Underused solution to India’s kidney care challenge

Sumit Jha

Oct 14, 2025

Health

Health

Kidney patients in India make pilgrimages to hospitals two to three times weekly for dialysis, bleeding savings on transport before treatment even begins. 

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Yet, a home-based alternative exists that less than five percent of the country’s dialysis patients receive, despite five states now reimbursing it under public health schemes.

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Peritoneal dialysis uses the abdomen’s lining to filter blood. Patients insert fluid through a tube into their abdominal cavity, where the peritoneum acts as a natural filter. 

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The method preserves dignity, allowing children to attend school without interruption and adults to continue working while families avoid enormous transport expenses. 

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Despite these advantages, the treatment has stagnated at under five percent of dialysis patients for a decade.