Patients a harried lot as thyroid test machine breaks down

Patients at Sirsa Civil Hospital have been facing major issues because the thyroid testing machine has been out of order for over a month. As a result, patients are being forced to go to private labs for their tests, which cost between Rs 300 and 500. Those unable to afford the test, approximately 60 patients every day, leave the hospital without the necessary thyroid tests.The hospital had a dedicated lab on the second floor for thyroid testing, but with the machine down, patients are being sent home without the test. Pregnant women, who are often required to have their thyroid levels checked, face extra challenges as they must go to private labs in the absence of the hospital’s machine.

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Hospital staff mentioned that the machine has broken down multiple times in the past and engineers from Delhi were called to repair it. However, due to the age of the machine, it continues to malfunction frequently. Dr Pawan Kumar, SMO of Sirsa Civil Hospital,said the machine has been out of order for about a month. The company’s engineer inspected it around 15 days ago and said it needs to be taken to the company for repairs as it cannot be fixed locally, he added. Despite multiple calls and emails to the company, no response has been received yet. Dr Pawan added that the machine was purchased during the Covid-19 period and has a warranty contract with the company until 2026.The ongoing issue has left many patients frustrated, especially those who cannot afford the cost of private testing.