*Expired
warranties, fund crunch leave patients in limbo
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, May 5: A critical healthcare crisis is unfolding in Jammu as CT scan machines at three major Government hospitals – Chest Diseases (CD) Hospital, Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, and Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) – remain non-functional, leaving patients in distress and forcing many to seek costly diagnostic services in private centres.
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At Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Jammu, the lone CT scan machine has been defunct since July 26, 2024. The outage has severely affected an estimated 20 to 25 patients per day, many of whom require urgent imaging diagnostics. With no immediate alternative within the hospital, patients are being referred to either Bone & Joint Hospital or Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Jammu, which are already struggling under a heavy patient load.
Hospital authorities admitted the machine is beyond repair. “An order for a new machine has already been placed with the J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL), and we are hopeful it will be functional by the end of May,” said Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC & Associated Hospitals, Jammu.
The situation is no better at the Chest Diseases Hospital, where the CT scan facility has remained non-functional for over a month. This hospital caters to numerous patients suffering from severe respiratory ailments, making the absence of imaging services a serious concern. “Patients with lung disorders and breathing complications are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” sources at the hospital reported.
At SMGS Hospital, the largest mother and child care hospital in the region, the only CT scan machine has been out of order for the last three to four days. With an average daily diagnostic load of 20 to 30 patients, the sudden outage has severely disrupted services. The machine’s warranty period has expired since long and till now we were managing by locally repairing the machine, Dr Gupta informed.
Dr Gupta further stated, “We have also requested JKMSCL to prioritize the procurement of a new CT scan machine for SMGS Hospital, given the higher patient load and the critical nature of services offered there. We fully understand the inconvenience being caused to patients and are trying our best to find interim solutions while awaiting new equipment.”
The ripple effect of these breakdowns is being felt across the city. With GMCH Jammu overwhelmed and the Bone & Joint Hospital facing increased referrals, patients – particularly children and the elderly – are being forced to shuttle between facilities in the sweltering heat. Many are eventually left with no choice but to visit private diagnostic centres, where CT scan costs are significantly higher than in Government institutions.
“This is not just an inconvenience; it’s a financial strain. People from economically weaker backgrounds are suffering the most, as they have to spend their limited resources on services that should be available at minimal cost in Government hospitals,” said one source familiar with the situation.
When contacted, Kapil Sharma, Managing Director of JKMSCL, attributed the delay in procurement to fund constraints. “We are yet to receive the full allocation of funds. However, with some advance funds received in March, we have placed an order for one CT scan machine for SSH Jammu,” he confirmed.
As the city’s major hospitals struggle with this diagnostic equipment crisis, hundreds of patients await relief – hoping the promised machines arrive without further delay and the essential CT scan services are restored promptly.
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