Status of Nephrology Services in Bihar

In Bihar, nephrology services began in 1976–1977 at Patna Medical College and in 1984 at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, but with limited facilities. In the last 10 years, significant growth in nephrology services has been seen in Bihar. Many dialysis units were established, including 35 centers under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme providing free or subsidized dialysis. All districts now have dialysis units. Kidney transplant services, which first started at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), are now being performed at three more centers. More than 180 transplants have been performed; all live except for one deceased kidney transplant done at IGIMS. Although nephrology services at present are inadequate, recent years have seen an exponential growth in nephrology services in Bihar.