People rue lack of MRI facility in Kupwara

Kupwara, Jan 20: People in Kupwara have demanded much-needed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility in the district.

They said the concerned government authorities have not provided the facility there till now.

According to them the lack of this essential diagnostic facility has left the entire population suffering. The patients requiring advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment have no choice but to travel long distances to neighbouring districts or even to Srinagar, often at great personal and financial cost.

Kupwara Civil Society Convener Showkat Masoodi told Greater Kashmir that the people of Kupwara were greatly suffering due to lack of an MRI facility in the district. "The absence of an MRI unit in the district has not only caused delays in timely diagnosis but also worsened the overall healthcare experience for the people of Kupwara, who are already grappling with limited medical facilities" he said.

"The people of heavy snowbound areas of Kupwara including Karnah, Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Jumagand, Kumkadi and several other areas face most of the brunt due to lack of an MRI facility. Whenever the patients of these areas are advised to undergo an MRI they are forced to visit Srinagar which takes them several days for the want of same. With feeble economic conditions it really tells upon them to stay in Srinagar and then undergo an MRI," he added.

"We feel dejected and isolated due to lack of such facilities in the district. The situation calls for immediate attention and action from the authorities to set up an MRI facility and address the growing healthcare needs of the region," Irfan Malik another resident of Kupwara told this correspondent.

Doctors in Kupwara are also concerned about lack of MRI facility in the district as it limits access to essential diagnostic services for various medical conditions. "MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing a wide range of health issues, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular problems and lack of MRI services makes it harder for doctors to offer accurate and timely care," stated a radiologist posted at a hospital in Kupwara.

The residents have sought immediate intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in this regard so that the hardships being faced by people may end.