New Dialysis Regulation Takes Effect, Expands Home Treatment and Capacity Limits

The Ministry of Health published the Regulation on Dialysis Centres in the Official Gazette dated 13 November 2026, numbered 33429, and it entered into force on the same day. The regulation covers dialysis centres and units opened by universities, public institutions and organisations, real persons, and private legal entities. It sets out the principles and procedures for planning, opening, operating, and inspecting dialysis centres, as well as dialysis treatment methods for patients with acute and chronic renal failure. The new regulation repeals the previous Dialysis Centres Regulation published in the Official Gazette dated 1 March 2019, numbered 30701.

New dialysis centres must start with no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 dialysis devices. Existing centres can add up to five devices at a time, with total capacity reaching up to 80 devices, provided the regional target occupancy rate is four or higher. Centres already operating with more than 80 devices will not receive permission to add more devices. In regions where the target occupancy rate is five or higher, existing centres will have their device capacity increased first; if needs still cannot be met, opening new centres may be considered. In regions where the target occupancy rate is below five, opening new dialysis centres will not be permitted.

“The upper limit for dialysis centre device capacity has been raised from 60 to 80 devices.”

Patients will be allowed to receive dialysis treatment at home under the new regulation. The regulation also permits patients to have their monthly examinations at dialysis centres other than the one where they receive treatment, and to continue their treatment using prescriptions issued at other health organisations. This aims to facilitate access to dialysis and other health services for patients staying in different locations during certain periods.

The upper limit for dialysis centre device capacity has been raised from 60 to 80 devices. If centres merge, their total capacity will remain limited to 80 devices. Foundation universities are now allowed to open dialysis centres and units. For clinically suitable patients, peritoneal dialysis will be prioritised, and the criteria for not applying peritoneal dialysis must be specified in dialysis reports.

The holiday dialysis period has been expanded to make it easier for patients to access services while staying in different provinces. Previously applied between June and October, the holiday dialysis period is now set from May to the end of November. Basic principles of current home haemodialysis practices are preserved, while patient follow-up and service delivery processes are clarified, with nephrology specialists retaining priority in monthly examination and prescription arrangements.