Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 24: The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura is facing a critical situation as its CT-Scan machine, essential for accurate medical diagnosis, has been partially functional for the last three months.
This disruption stems from ongoing technical issues that have persisted for a year, severely impacting patient care, especially for those with life-threatening conditions such as cancer. With only one CT-Scan operational for head scans, patients requiring continuous monitoring and multiple scans are left in a dire situation.
Patients, particularly those with limited financial resources, are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Many have resorted to seeking diagnostic tests at private centers, facing financial strain and mental anguish.
A patient suffering from a fatal disease expressed frustration over depleting savings and the added stress of seeking external financial assistance for tests. “We have consumed our savings on treatment and now struggle to afford tests, adding to our trauma. Such a major hospital should provide these facilities, especially for the poor who rely on it,” he said.
A doctor at SKIMS emphasized the urgent need for a replacement of CT-Scan machine, citing frequent technical issues that hinder patient care. The prolonged delay in acquiring a new machine raises concerns about the hospital’s planning and management. “It seems the machine has outlived. It is useless,” he said.
He stressed the importance of functional diagnostic equipment for effective healthcare delivery. He urged the authorities to ensure smooth hospital operations, questioning the delay in acquiring a new CT-Scan.
Medical Superintendent at SKIMS Dr Farooq Jan assured that a new machine has been procured and is enroute to the hospital, aiming to alleviate the current crisis. “The machine is in transit and will soon be operational,” he said.
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