Tree Top Hospital has taken a significant step toward enhancing kidney care in the Maldives by introducing peritoneal dialysis, a home-based treatment option for patients with chronic and acute kidney diseases. This development provides an alternative to the conventional hemodialysis, which is currently the only available option in the country and must be conducted in a hospital setting.
The Need for Peritoneal Dialysis
As kidney disease progresses to failure, patients often require dialysis until a transplant becomes feasible. However, the lack of options beyond hospital-based hemodialysis has posed significant challenges, particularly for those living in rural areas.
Tree Top Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Mladen Knotek, emphasized the difficulties faced by such patients:
“Patients, especially from rural areas, have expressed the hardships of having to relocate to Malé or nearby islands to access hemodialysis services. Many have shared their concerns and distress over the limited treatment options,” he said.
In response, the hospital introduced peritoneal dialysis, a treatment commonly available in medically advanced countries. This method allows patients to manage their dialysis independently at home or with assistance, offering greater freedom and reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
How Peritoneal Dialysis Works
Peritoneal dialysis involves inserting a catheter into the patient’s abdomen, enabling waste removal through a specialized device. The treatment is available in two forms:
- Manual Peritoneal Dialysis – Patients manually connect the catheter to the device three to four times daily, depending on the disease severity.
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis – A device performs the process overnight, minimizing patient involvement.
Both methods can be safely managed by patients after proper training and guidance. However, the treatment may not be suitable for individuals who have undergone major abdominal surgeries.
Benefits for Maldivian Patients
Dr. Knotek highlighted the empowerment this treatment brings to patients:
“Peritoneal dialysis allows patients to reclaim their time and independence, offering relief from the burden of frequent hospital visits.”
The hospital introduced this service last month during the visit of urology and transplant specialist Dr. Ivan Neretljak. While new to the Maldives, many Maldivians have already sought this treatment abroad, underscoring its demand.
Accessibility and Future Plans
Tree Top Hospital’s peritoneal dialysis service is now available under Police, MNDF, and private health insurance schemes. Interested patients can contact the hospital’s call center at 3351610 for more details.
Dr. Knotek also revealed that the hospital is committed to introducing additional services to improve patient care, further establishing itself as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions in the Maldives.
