*New CT scanner awaited, but arrival date uncertain
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 14: Patients at the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) in Jammu have faced significant inconvenience due to the prolonged unavailability of the Hospital’s only CT scan machine. Out of order since July 26 this year, the Machine has left patients needing this critical diagnostic service with few options other than turning to private diagnostic centers or traveling to the nearby Bone & Joint Hospital. This disruption has highlighted concerns over the maintenance and availability of essential medical equipment in Government healthcare facilities.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
According to official sources, the breakdown of SSH Jammu’s CT scan machine has affected an estimated 20-25 patients each day who would typically rely on this service. Without access to a CT scan at SSH, patients are being referred to the Bone & Joint Hospital, which is about one kilometer away. However, the increased demand at Bone & Joint Hospital has led to extended wait times, forcing some patients to seek faster but costly alternatives at private diagnostic centers.
“Patients needing CT scans face long waits for appointments at Bone & Joint Hospital,” said one source. “This situation is forcing them to spend their hard-earned money on private diagnostic services, which charge significantly more than Government hospitals. For families with limited financial means, this added expense has been particularly burdensome,” he added.
Medical Superintendent of SSH Jammu, Dr Rehana Khurshid, acknowledged the issue and attributed it to the age and condition of the current machine. “The CT scan machine at SSH Jammu is very old, and it has exceeded its operational lifespan,” Dr Khurshid explained. “It is no longer covered by warranty, and when it broke down in July, we contacted the original manufacturers. However, they informed us that the machine is beyond repair.”
Dr Khurshid added that an order for a replacement CT scan machine has already been placed with the J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited. However, she could not provide a specific timeline for its arrival. “We are waiting for the new machine, but the exact delivery date from the Corporation is still unclear. We hope to restore this critical service as soon as possible,” she said.
To alleviate some of the burden on patients, SSH Jammu has temporarily relocated its entire CT scan unit staff, including doctors, to the Bone & Joint Hospital. “We want to ensure that patients do not have to turn to private centers,” Dr Khurshid stated. “By moving our CT scan staff to Bone & Joint Hospital, we are trying to make this diagnostic service as accessible as possible under the current circumstances.”
The Managing Director of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) stated, “There is no delay on our part. We have completed the tendering process for the 128-slice CT scan machine. The rate contract has also been finalized, with an approximate cost of Rs 7.82 crore. Once the Hospital administration submits the purchase indent for the machine, we will supply it without any delay.”
Nevertheless, many patients and their families have expressed frustration over the temporary arrangements, citing the physical and logistical challenges of moving between hospitals, especially for those in critical need of immediate diagnosis. “Referring patients to another hospital doesn’t solve the problem for everyone,” said a family member of one patient. “Longer wait times at Bone & Joint Hospital mean that people who need a quick diagnosis have to pay a lot more at private centers.”
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the state of healthcare facilities in the region, as the CT scan machines at SMGS Hospital and CD Hospital have also reached the end of their operational life and frequently break down. The hospital administrations are managing to keep them functional while awaiting new machines.
“Essential equipment, such as CT scan machines, should be regularly updated and maintained to prevent breakdowns and ensure continuous service,” said healthcare advocates. They emphasized the need for special fund allocations to replace CT scan machines at SMGS, Chest Disease, and Super Specialty hospitals, noting that approximately Rs 24 crore is required for these replacements.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
