Encouraging government action in Tajikistan: Implementing the ISN Dialysis Framework
The deputy minister of health and staff from the Health Department, Tajikistan, visit a new hemodialysis center opened with support from the ISN SRC Program
Irma Tchokhonelidze observed significant gaps in dialysis provision during her 2021 visits to kidney centers in Dushanbe, including limited diagnostic capacity, the absence of patient registries, and inconsistent follow-up in largely private dialysis facilities. As past chair of the ISN Dialysis Working Group, Dr. Tchokhonelidze recognized the need for a coordinated national approach and met with the Ministry of Health to advocate for support and to introduce the ISN Dialysis Framework.
Dr. Tchokhonelidze (center) in discussions with the deputy minister of health (far right) at the Ministry of Health
The Ministry expressed strong interest in the ISN Dialysis Framework’s recommendations, particularly for chronic kidney disease screening in primary care and integrated kidney replacement therapy. Since then, the Ministry of Health has made incremental progress in developing qualified nephrology services, designating a department within the largest regional hospital as a “hub” for the ISN Sister Renal Centers (SRC) trio partnership* and ensuring ongoing support for the program. The SRC collaboration is helping to advance kidney services at the State Institution National Medical Center in Tajikistan.
“We’re confident that training, education, and collaborative efforts will thrive under government oversight,” said Dr. Tchokhonelidze.
Tajikistan’s experience demonstrates how raising awareness about the ISN Dialysis Framework can drive government action and sustainable kidney care development in resource-limited settings.
About the Dialysis Framework
The ISN Framework for Developing Dialysis Programs in Low-resource Settings, endorsed by the World Health Organization, is a practical guide designed to help governments establish equitable, effective dialysis systems and long-term national kidney care strategies. Its guidance is especially relevant in contexts where national kidney care programs remain fragmented, often relying on private dialysis providers with limited public oversight.
