Kupwara, Aug 23: The CT scan machine at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara has remained defunct for over two months, causing considerable hardship to patients, particularly those from remote and far-flung areas of the district.
The prolonged unavailability of the diagnostic facility has forced patients to approach private diagnostic centres, where they have to pay substantially higher amounts for CT scans.
The issue was highlighted by Greater Kashmir a month ago after residents raised concerns over the non-functioning machine. However, the facility continues to remain out of order, leaving patients to bear the additional cost and inconvenience of seeking diagnostic services elsewhere.
The absence of CT scan services has particularly affected residents of far-flung areas, including Karnah, Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Chowkibal, Kumkadi and Jumagund. Many residents of these areas depend on government hospitals for affordable healthcare and face additional difficulties when required to travel to private facilities.
With the machine at SDH Kupwara remaining non-functional, patients requiring urgent diagnostic examinations are being compelled to approach private clinics, adding to their financial burden.
“The issue was highlighted a month ago, but the CT scan machine is still out of order. Patients continue to suffer and are being forced to spend money at private clinics. The authorities should take immediate steps to restore the facility,” said Irfan Malik, a local resident.
Residents have urged the concerned authorities to expedite the repair or replacement of the machine and restore CT scan services at the hospital at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Superintendent SDH KupwaraDr Mohammad Amin Mir said that the existing machine had become very old and, according to the concerned engineers, would require a substantial amount for repairs.
“We have written to the higher authorities for its replacement, and hopefully a new CT scan machine will be installed at SDH Kupwara soon,” he said.
