Una Regional Hospital sans radiologist; 3 ultrasound machines gathering dust
Patients forced to get free-of-cost tests done at private centres at higher prices
The lone radiologist posted at the Una Regional Hospital has been serving on deputation at a government health institution in some other district for the past three months. Consequently, patients, particularly those who are eligible for diagnostic tests free of cost under various health schemes of the Central and state governments, are forced to cough up huge sums of money in private institutions.
The room number 118, the designated ultrasound test room at the Regional Hospital, which till some time ago was one of the busiest clinics at the institution with several expectant mothers and patients, who had been advised surgeries, lined up at any given point of time, now bears a deserted look. With the room locked up, a small slip mentioning that the doctor is on deputation welcomes patients and their attendants.
Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Sanjay Mankotia says that the Health Department has deputed the woman radiologist to another health institution. He admits that hundreds of patients register in the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the hospital every day and many of them are advised ultrasound and other radiology-related tests.
Dr Mankotia says that three ultrasound machines are lying unutilised at the hospital in the absence of a radiologist. He adds that there is no other option for patients but to get tests done at private centres at a higher price.
An expectant mother says that the gynaecologist recommends at least four or five ultrasound tests during the pregnancy period. She adds that each test at a private center costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000. Besides, patients have to travel outside the hospital for various tests, which are done free of cost under the government programme for the welfare of mother and child, she claims.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Sanjiv Verma says that there is no radiologist in any health institution in the district. He adds that there is need for a radiologist in the Regional Hospital to cater to the medical needs of the poor and deserving patients besides being able to deliver free services under national health programmes.
