CT scan machine defunct at SDH Kupwara, people suffer

Kupwara, Dec 30: Patient care at Sub District Hospital Kupwara has gone for a toss due to the non-functional CT scan machine for over fifteen days leaving patients in distress.

As a result of un-availability of this vital diagnostic facility, patients are left with no choice, other than moving to private clinics for the want of the same.

The residents have expressed strong resentment against authorities for failing to repair the machine even after the passage of over two weeks. “The CT scan machine often faces glitches forcing patients to look for other alternatives. The existing machine happens to be an old one and often develops technical snags. I am unable to figure out why authorities are not taking concrete steps to replace this old machine with a new one,” a local social activist Irfan Malik told Greater Kashmir.

“The lack of urgency in repairing the CT scan machine at SDH Kupwara is appalling, considering the hospital serves lakhs of people and upper reaches including Karnah, Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Chowkibal, Kumkadi, Jumagund and others. The inaction of higher authorities raises questions about their priorities and sensitivity towards the healthcare needs of this region" Malik added.

"The defunct CT scan machine at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara has become a significant hindrance to quality healthcare, forcing patients to seek expensive private facilities. The machine's prolonged malfunctioning has resulted in numerous patients, including a relative of mine, being compelled to undergo CT scan at a private clinic at an exorbitant cost of Rs 2,500. This is not only a financial burden but also a clear indication of the healthcare system's failure to provide accessible and affordable medical care to those in need," said another local.

Meanwhile, Superintendent SDH Kupwara Dr Mohammad Shafi acknowledged the hardships being faced by the patients due to the out-of-order CT scan machine. He said that within a few days, the machine would be repaired.