X-ray machine lies defunct at Bathinda Civil Hospital, patients suffer

SAMEER SINGH

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 27

Patients visiting the Civil Hospital here are an inconvenienced lot as an X-ray machine has been lying defunct for the past four days. Though the X-ray machine, which was installed 22 years ago at the hospital, has been developing technical snags from time to time over the years, the authorities concerned has not replaced it.

A majority of the patients visiting the hospital for treatment come from poor financial backgrounds who cannot afford to pay hefty charges to private laboratories in the city. As the X-ray machine has been lying defunct, they have been running from pillar to post to get their tests done.

At present, there are four X-ray machines installed at the hospital — two at the general OPD, one each at emergency unit and Women and Children Hospital. Of the two machines, one has been lying defunct for the past four days.

Sources said even if maintained well, there was a lifespan of every medical equipment and it could not be used for decades. Moreover, the number of patient had increased multi-fold over the years and the X-ray machine had started developing technical snags at regular intervals. “The X-ray machine has been in service for the past 22 years and it is time to replace it with a new one. Even engineers have recommended its replacement to the DH authorities,” said the sources.

Dr Satish Goyal, Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, said, “The X-ray machine was repaired some time back by engineers, but it was not fixed properly. So, it has developed a problem again. We have a shortage of staff otherwise we could have used the other X-ray machine installed at the emergency unit.”