Department of Nephrology
Overview
- State of the art ultramodern Hemodialysis unit with 24 units-Main HD Unit based on New York Lean model with 14 stations
- State of the art –Two RO plants
- 1300-1500 dialysis sessions per month.
- ICU dialysis unit with portable RP plant from a few scattered patients to more than 1000 Haemodialysis sessions per month, we have come a long way especially during last three years. Planning to increase to 1500 -2000 HD sessions per month.
- Two Separate Satellite /Isolation Dialysis units
- CRRT-SLED facilities available.
- Full time Nephrologist Service and backup for both Cold & Hot Nephrology cases
- Two major projects completed
- Preventive nephrology- Pondicherry Rural Kidney Survey Project. (3yr. project)
- Survival Analysis in Rural Dialysis population
- ISN approved World kidney day celebrations for last 5 years during first week of March.
- Regular Didactic Patient & Public interactive sessions –throughout year.
Faculty list
| SNo. | Name | Designation |
| 1 | Dr. P. Ravi Kumar | Associate Professor |
| 2 | Sugan Gandhi. T. | Assistant Professor |
Facilities
- Conduction of Regular daily OPD. We cater to both cold and hot nephrology patients.
- The Haemodialysis units are open from Monday to Saturday round the clock.
- Emergency dialysis done round the clock as and when a need arises.
- Inpatient Nephrology care including inpatient dialysis. Treatment of Acute and chronic kidney injury cases, electrolyte conundrums, Acid base problems, congenital and acquired kidney diseases, diabetic nephropathy, nephrolithiasis, hypertensive renal disease, nephritic, nephritic syndromes, Renal artery stenosis and interstitial nephritis is routinely carried out.
- Facilities for both Hemodialysis and Acute and Chronic Peritoneal dialysis.
- Pre transplant work –up is also done
- Full time Senior Consultant Nephrologist /Consultant Nephrologist are available for consultation round the clock. Since inception from last 10 years. Round the clock “Nephrology unit doctors” on call.
- As we cater to diverse sets of patients inevitably we have started getting Hepatitis C “positive patients and have started an Isolation unit also for “Hepatitis C” positive patients on a separate floor with two dedicated machines and exclusive staff.
- Infection control-Antibiotic “LOCK” given in the catheter!
- Ultra-Modern two RO plants with stringent RO water standards with SS tank and rigorous controls for infection control in the dialysis unit.
- We provide emergency dialysis and SLED in the Intensive care unit itself. We have an exclusive machine set aside for the ICU with its own potable water supply system.
- Presently Total of 24 Hemodialysis state of art HD machines available for patient care.
- Recently Inaugurated Plush & Sophisticated state of the art 14 station HD unit designed as a New York lean model HDU with standards meeting up to the ministry of health’s envisaged ideal model unit. An IDEAL unit not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from the patient’s perspective also.
- Special procedures like invasive central HD catheterization
- Regular renal biopsies being done.
- Perm catheters are also being regularly put in.
Special clinics
Academics
- Educational activities: daily classes for interns and PG students.
- Monthly Nephro-Medicine meet with case discussions, seminars and meetings.
- Urine microscopy demonstration with hands on experience.
- Metabolic rounds-case scenarios.
- Regular Educational activities for all technicians , dialysis nurses and other staff.
- Regular updates on CRRT.
- Recent advances in Plasmapheresis.
Academic Calender – NEPHROLOGY Academic Activity
| Week 1 | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
| Monday | Rounds/Case discussions | Acute Renal Failure |
| Tuesday | Rounds/Clinical Pharmacology cases | Renal Replacement Therapy |
| Wednesday | Metabolic Rounds | Chronic Kidney disease |
| Thursday | Case Scenarios | Electrolytes-Sodium |
| Friday | Rounds | Electrolytes-Potassium |
| Week 2 | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
| Monday | Rounds | Glomerulonephritis |
| Tuesday | Case discussions | Nephrotic Syndrome |
| Wednesday | Rounds | Hypertension & Trials |
| Thursday | Case discussion | Calcium /PTH Metabolism |
| Friday | Rounds | Pregnancy & Kidney |
| Week 3 | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
| Monday | Rounds | Medications in Renal Failure |
| Tuesday | Case discussions | Acid- Base Cases |
| Wednesday | Rounds | Edema |
| Thursday | Diabetic Nephropathy | Proteinuria |
| Friday | Hematuria | Nephrolithiasis |
| Week 4 | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
| Monday | Poisonings | Pearls in Nephrology |
| Tuesday | Case discussions | Snake Bite |
| Wednesday | Rounds | Case Records of Mass Gen Hospital |
| Thursday | Case –Clin Pharmacology | Phosphorus Metabolism |
| Friday | Vasculitis | Examination |
Research
| S.No. | Topic | First Author | Name of the Journals | Link of the recognition in UGC enlistment of the Journal | Date of acceptance | Date of publication | Name of the Indexing database | ISSN No. | Type |
| 1. | Survival and Analysis of Predictors of Mortality in Patients UndergoingHemodialysis in a Rural Hospital in Puducherry, India: A Retrospective Cohort study | P. Ravi Kumar1, V. Vinayagmoorthy, Amol Dongre & Pradeep Deshmukh | The Open Urology & Nephrology Journal | https://openurologyandnephrologyjournal.com/VOLUME/16/ELOCATOR/e1874303X2212260 | 01.11.2022 | 13.02.2023 | Cross Mark | 1874-30 3X | International |
| 2. | Patient Education And Advocacy In Dialysis –A Qualitative Study | Kumar, Dr. PR, Subramanian,Thandavan, | Kidney International reports | https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(22)00446-6/fulltext | Feb 2022 | ISN Academy | International | ||
| 3. | Prevalence of Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism among Chronic Kidney Disease patients in Puducherry – A Cross Sectional study | Dr. Ramya Badrachalam, Dr. Asmathulla Shafiulla, Dr. Ravi Kumar | International Journal of Medical Science and Innovative Research | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370322587 | June 2022 | Research Gate | 2458-868X | International | |
| 4. | Challenges Faced by Dialysis Unit Staff During COVID-19 Times: A Qualitative Study | Kumar P.R, Dongre A | Nephro – Urology Monthly | https://brieflands.com/articles/num-121133.html | 17.02.2022 | 18.05.2022 | Brieflands | International | |
| 5. | Renal Equations Using Cystatin C and Creatinine in Correlation to Lipids in Chronic Kidney Disease – A Cross-Sectional study | Kumar PR, Srivastava M, Asmathulla S | Journal of Clinical Nephrology Renal Care | https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jcnrc/journal-of-clinical-nephrology-and-renal-care-jcnrc-6-051.php?jid=jcnrc | 15.04.2020 | Clinmed | 2572-3286 | International | |
| 6. | Valcyclovir toxicity in peritoneal dialysis | Kumar.P R | Indian J Perit Dial | https://www.ijpd.org.in/text.asp?2020/38/1/6/305753 | 14.05.2020 | 31.12.2020 | Wolters Kuwar – Medknow | 1874-303X | National |
| 7. | Lipid Pattern of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis and on Conservative Management- A Comparative Study JMSCR | Dr Raghu Rama Reddy.A, Dr Girija .S, Dr Ravi Kumar .P | Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research | https://jmscr.igmpublication.org/home/index.php/archive/160-volume-07-issue-03-march-2019/7051 | 03.03.2019 | IGM | 2545-0450 | International | |
| 8. | Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Determinants in Rural Pondicherry, India-A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study | Ravi Kumar P, Amol Dongre, R. Muruganandham, Pradeep Deshmukh, D. Rajagovindan | The Open Urology and Nephrology Journal | https://openurologyandnephrologyjournal.com/VOLUME/12/PAGE/14/ABSTRACT | 22.05.2019 | 30.06.2019 | Cross Mark | 1874-303X | International |
| 9. | Cadmium, the real link to chronic kidney disease causation in hotspots of rural Pondicherry and coastal Cuddalore areas | Kumar PR, Dongre A | Int J Med Sci Public Health | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331475514 | 20.02.2019 | Jan 2019 | Research Gate | International | |
| 10. | Perceived challenges faced by family caregivers of chronic kidney disease patients and suggested solutions: A qualitative study | Pravin Surendran, Vinayagamoorthy Venugopal, Amol R Dongre, Ravikumar Paninjukunnath. | Int J Med Sci Public Health | https://www.bibliomed.org/?mno=293733 | 2018 | Bibliomed | 2320-4664 | International | |
| 11. | Risk factors for kidney stones in Rural Pondicherry: case Control study | Amol R Dongre , M Rajalakshmi , Pradeep R Deshmukh , MR Thirunavukarasu , Ravi Kumar | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29207740/ | Sep 2017 | Pubmed | National |
Research Projects undertaken:
- Challenges for dialysis staff – during covid-19 times-A QUAL study
- Survival Analysis on hemodialysis patients in a Rural Hospital in Pondicherry, South India- a retrospective cohort study.
- Patient education and advocacy in Dialysis –a Qualitative study.
- HTLV-1 in Hemodialysis-The HAM syndrome.
- QOL study in dialysis.
- Patient education in dialysis patients: 8 year study.
- QOL study in hemodialysis patients
- Pruritus in hemodialysis patients
- Prolonged QT syndromes in hemodialysis patients
Awards
Distinctions and other Awards:
Received
2009-2012 Cash Award/ Donations for excellence in patient care donated by families of patients at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
2006-2008 Donations/Gifts to Sunnybrook Foundation, Toronto, Canada given b patients for Kindness, Compassion, Caring and Spirit
1996 An initial study of Peritoneal Equilibration Test (PET), paper selected for the Tanker Award Session, Feb.1996, Bangalore, India. (DISTINCTION)
1983-1986 R.D.BIRLA SMARAK KOSH ENDOWMENT Merit Scholarship for MD (MEDICINE) Post- Graduate Education (DISTINCTION), Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
1981 Merit Prize, 1st RANK in OPHTHALMOLOGY (DISTICTION)-Gold medal
1980 Merit Prize, 1st RANK in COMMUNITY MEDICINE (DISTINCTION)-Gold medal
1978 -1979 Merit Prize, 1st PRIZE in ANATOMY DRAWING, Anatomical Society of India Award1976 Nandan Editor’s Award for Excellence in English writing.
2019 October 7-9 World Congress on Nephrology Madrid, Spain: Principal Keynote Speaker, Dr.P.Ravi Kumar on “Prevalence of CKD and it’s determinants in Rural Pondicherry, India “.
Awarded the Certificate of excellence in Reviewing for HINARI Journals: International Journal of Advances in Nephrology Research 2021 (17.08.2021)
Teaching Award: Received:-
2005 Teaching Award, National Medical & Dental Conference, Republic of Seychelles, East Africa.
Outreach
CQI Initiatives
- Regular clinical and financial audit conducted since last 4 years for maintaining the rigorous standards as per NABH/AAMI guidelines / FDA /CDC infection control guidelines.
- Unit Metrics displayed every month.
PG Alumini
Patient Interactive Educational Meet
Event Name: Patient Interactive Educational Meet
Organized By: Dept. of Nephrology
Venue: Basement Auditorium-Hospital block
Date: 19-09-2025
Time: 11:00 A.M to 1:30 P.M
In continuity with the Department of Nephrology’s thrust towards patient centric case, yet another patient Focused– Interactive didactic patient Educational Meeting was hosted at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Hospital, Madagadipet, Puducherry at the Basement Auditorium on 19th September 2025. This 2 hours session was a very informative, educative and patient empowering session.
As usual we were lucky to have in our midst the Principal speaker Dr. Thyagarajan Thandavan, CEO, TIDES Institute LLC as from Chennai. This is a triannual meet conducted by Dept. of Nephrology since last 9 years. Dr. Thyagarajan provided lot of patient friendly healthcare tips and facilitated discussions with patients, caregivers and staff, providing valuable insight and delved through patient and family experiences.
Dr. Girija Gopal, Prof. & HOD, Medicine Dept. and Deputy Medical Superintendent graced the occasion this time also as she has been a pillar of strength for our dialysis patients since inception of these meetings. Other speaker included Dr. Ravikumar HOD, Dept. of Nephrology also interacted with patients. This is a unique feature of our bonding & interactive with our patients of families. All the doubts and queries from patients & attenders were addressed in depth & length.
These meetings are the core of patient education. Active collaboration between staffs & patients were advocated. Patients & their caregivers were given free use of the microphone & anecdotal episodes and issues close to their heart were presented by them. A family fulcrum was thus maintained evenly. Many issues pertaining to patient care were addressed in a thread bare manner. These sort of interactive educational meetings will go a long way in fostering & empowering patients to go ahead in a patient-centric model of health care where the patient is in the driving seat & is responsible for their own health.
These meeting buttressed the importance of patient education, communication, removal of barriers hindering patient care & thus going a long way in improving patient care and rendering patient satisfaction. Total of 70 staffs & patients attended the Programme
ABCD of Hemodialysis
Event Name: ABCD of Hemodialysis
Organized By: Dept of Nephrology
Venue: Basement auditorium, Hospital block
Date: 29-05-2025
Time: 02:00 P.M
Target group: Adults
Participants: 60
We held a CME event ABCD OF HEMODIALYSIS conducted by Nephrology Department & Department of General Medicine – Organized by Dr. Ravi Kumar Sr. Consultant Nephrologist, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital & Dr. Girija Gopal, Professor & HOD, Medicine Department, SMVMCH. An Interactive session / Clinical Training Programme CME was organized on 29.05.2025 at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital Campus. Our Guest speakers were Mr. Sashi kumar Clinical lead for NIPRO (India), Mr. Shailesh kumar & Mr. Aruk Raj. We were ably assisted by Dr. Gavaskar, Dr. Sindhuja, Mr. Adhimoolam and other staff from the Nephrology department. Total of 60 Medicine Post graduates, Dialysis Technicians & Dialysis staffs attended the CME Programme.
World Kidney Day 2025 Celebration
Event Name: World Kidney Day 2025
Organized By: Dept of Nephrology
Venue: Basement auditorium-Hospital block
Date: 13-03-2025
Time: 11:00 A.M-2:00 P.M
We held our world kidney day CME event conducted by Nephrology Department & Department of General Medicine-Organized by Dr. Ravi Kumar Sr. Consultant Nephrologist, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital, Madagadipet, Puducherry & Dr. Girija Gopal, Professor & HOD, Medicine Department. A CME was organized on 13.03.2025 at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital Campus. Our Guest speakers were Dr. A. Venkatesh, Assistant Professor of Nephrology, AVMC, Puducherry spoke on Early Detection of CKD – “Benefits and Limitations”, Dr. Thiagarajan Thandavan, CEO, TIDES Institute, Chennai spoke on Update on CRRT, Dr. Sugan Gandhi, Asst. Professor, SMVMCH spoke on Kidney Health For All – Roll of Primary care Physician” & Dr. Ravi Kumar Sr. Consultant Nephrologist, SMVMCH spoke on Synopsis of World Kidney Day Theme & Concluding Remarks” and expounded on the World Kidney Day theme for this year “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,”.
We were ably assisted by Dr. Sugan Gandhi Asst. Professor of Nephrology, SMVMCH & Dr. Gavaskar, Dr. Ezhil kumar, Dr. A. Naveen, Mr. Adhimoolam and other staff from the Nephrology department. Poster Competition was held to the Dialysis Technician students. posters were displayed in the Auditorium. The best posters were selected by Dr. A. Venkatesh, Assistant Professor of Nephrology, AVMC & Dr. Thiagarajan Thandavan, CEO, TIDES Institute, Chennai. Total of 114 delegates attended the CME Programme.
