Govt Rajindra Hospital MRI machine lying dysfunctional
Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, June 18
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine at the Government Rajindra Hospital has developed a snag, which has inconvenienced patients, as they are turned back without scans. The machine, which cost Rs15 crore, is stated to be lying defunct for the last few days. The reason is one of the MRI machine part, magnet gradient coil, has stopped functioning. The defunct part is said to cost Rs 75 lakh.
Dr Navkiran, head, Radio Diagnosis Department, said, “I have already informed the higher authorities about snag in the MRI machine.”
In the absence of a functional MRI machine at Government Rajindra Hospital, patients get their scans done from outside by paying between Rs 5,000 to Rs7,000.
Meanwhile, sources in the department informed that the authorities were indifferent to urgent repairs of the MRI machine. One of the doctors of the Radio Diagnosis Department said, “Every day, around 15 to 20 patients, who need an MRI, go back from the department without scans. Therefore, their treatment is delayed. The hospital authorities are not showing any urgency to get the machine repaired.”
Besides, MRI scan is also required for patients, who are suffering from black fungus. Experts said an MRI scan was required before performing surgery on mucormycosis patients.
It has been learnt that in January this year the department had requested the hospital authorities to sign the annual maintenance contract (AMC) service for the MRI machine. However, when asked about the AMC, Dr Navkiran, refused to comment.
Dr HS Rekhi, Medical Superintendent, Government Rajindra Hospital, said, “The head of the department has already informed us. We are making efforts to get the machine repaired at the earliest.”
