DEXA machine at GMCH lying defunct for 5 years

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 13

A Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan machine worth Rs 22 lakh, used for measuring bone mineral density, has been lying out of order for the last five years at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32.

Rather than getting it repaired, the hospital authorities are now going to buy a new machine. Sources said it would cost Rs 6.40 lakh for its repair, whereas the new machine would cost them much more than the previous amount.

According to official sources, about 200-250 patients visit the Orthopaedics Department and around 25 people require DEXA scan. However, in the absence of the facility, the patients have been a harried lot.

“We have come here twice and were told that the machine is not working. We were asked to get it done from a dispensary where a mobile health van is stationed. We are being harassed,” said a patient.

An official on anonymity, said: “The cost of the repair was initially in thousands, but it elevated after the machine was not repaired for a long time. The dumped machine’s wire is bitten by rats. This is a sheer wastage of public money and there is no accountability.”

It was on August 8, 2009, that the machine was inaugurated by Dr Vishwa Mohan Katoch, the then Secretary, Department of Health Reattach, But, it broke down in 2012.

Sources said it was under the comprehensive annual maintenance contract (CAMC), under which the firm had to repair or maintain it on its own.

However, Dr Sudhir Garg, Head of Orthopaedics Department, said: “We are buying a new machine as the amount in repair and other expenditures will cost us the same. We have about seven patients requiring this facility daily. We already have a DEXA scan in our mobile van stationed at the hospital for three days and other days it goes to dispensary. So, it does the job for us.”

A faculty member on anonymity, questioned: “If they already have a DEXA machine, then why are they spending a huge amount on buying another one, they should instead buy some other equipment for the hospital.”

Dr Ravi Gupta, Medical Superintendent, who is from the same department, said: “We tried to make things work with the company, but it did not. Therefore, we are buying a new machine.”