Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 10: The only X-ray machine at the Chest Disease Hospital has been out of order for several days, causing difficulties for patients arriving from various parts of Kashmir.
Several attendants mentioned that they learned that the machine has been non-functional for the past few days, and so far, the authorities have not taken steps to repair it.
“The first test patients need to undergo is an X-ray, but it is currently unavailable due to a malfunction in the machine. As a result, all patients are forced to visit private imaging centers to get it done,” one attendant stated.
While patients visiting the hospital’s OPD manage to get their X-rays done at private centers, those in need of emergency care face significant difficulties.
“Emergency patients are in a different situation; they are usually not in a condition to be taken outside for an X-ray. These patients are suffering, and it seems the authorities are doing little to address the issue,” another attendant added.
It is worth noting that this is the hospital’s only X-ray machine, with no backup or additional machine to handle the patient load. The Chest Disease Hospital is the only such facility in Kashmir, and it faces a high daily influx of patients from different parts of the Valley.
Meanwhile, Dr Sameena Saba, the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the Chest Disease Hospital, told Excelsior that they expect the machine to be operational by tomorrow.
“It needed a part that wasn’t available locally and had to be ordered from Delhi. It should arrive soon, and the machine will be functional by tomorrow,” she added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
