Fortis Gurugram Launches India’s First AV Fistula Care Clinic
Gurugram, 1st May 2025: Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram has launched India’s first AV Fistula Care Clinic, dedicated to one of the most critical and delicate aspects of dialysis care. It has been launched to enhance long-term access to the bloodstream for dialysis patients, a crucial aspect often overlooked until complications arise. Additionally, a National AV Fistula Masterclass was also hosted, which was led by Dr Himanshu Verma, Director – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, which was attended by over 160 dialysis technicians from across the country. It focused on real-life issues they face each day — from cannulation challenges to silent complications that can go unnoticed without the right skills. Unlike the traditional model where patients consult a vascular surgeon only after issues like blocked fistulas or puncture failures, the clinic takes a preventive approach.
The Self AV Fistula Examination, pioneered by Dr. Himanshu Verma, empowers dialysis patients to proactively monitor their AV Access — marking an important step towards preventive healthcare under Fortis’ leadership. Many patients recommended for vascular surgery consultations fail to follow through or do so only after significant delay. This clinic aims to minimize that fallout and offer more timely consultations; early identification of access issues ensures better outcomes and helps avoid emergency procedures; the clinic incorporates a training schedule for technicians, particularly handling difficult AVF punctures—which strengthens frontline care and furthermore, plans are underway to integrate mental health support, diet counseling, and exercise programs through multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Himanshu Verma, Director – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “At Fortis, we believe that protecting a patient’s vascular access is not just a procedure, it is the foundation of their survival. Through this clinic, we are shifting from reactive treatments to preventive empowerment, helping patients lead healthier and longer lives. Dialysis patients often suffer due to avoidable complications like blocked access, infections, or delayed interventions—all tied to poor vascular access management. The AV Fistula Clinic aims to change this by offering prompt access to vascular surgeons, preventive monitoring to reduce the incidence of serious complications, fistula preservation strategies for longer access survival, and improved dialysis session quality through better-functioning fistulas. By shifting the model from reactive to proactive care, the clinic ensures that vascular access is no longer the weak link in dialysis management—ultimately enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of life.”
Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “The launch of the Fistula Clinic marks a significant step towards providing focused, advanced care for a condition that affects the quality of life for many. Overall, the clinic improves the efficiency of dialysis care and instills confidence in patients that their vascular access is being proactively managed. Through leadership initiatives like these, Fortis Memorial Research Institute continues to set national standards for patient-centered innovation in dialysis care — delivering excellence through vision, compassion, and clinical expertise.”
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,700 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.
