Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 18: Dozens of patients at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura are facing hardships as vital CT scan and CT simulator machines have been non-functional for several days.
The patients and attendants travelling from distant places expressed their frustration, saying the inoperative CT scan machine has compelled them to visit private labs, which incurs additional expenses.
“Not everyone can afford tests at private clinics,” said an attendant from Pulwama, adding that the machine must be repaired at the earliest so that the patients do not suffer.
Patients at SKIMS expressed concerns over the prolonged dysfunction of the CT simulator machine, saying they have been forced to visit SMHS Srinagar for necessary procedures.
According to doctors, the delay in CT Simulator procedures could lead to complications for patients. They said there is an urgent need for resolution of the issue.
The doctors further said the machine is not available in the private sector in Kashmir as it is costly.
Official sources confirmed that both the CT scan and CT simulator at the hospital have been frequently developing snags, causing distress, particularly to cancer patients.
An official from SKIMS Soura said that the machines are currently under repair.
“The SKIMS administration is actively working towards procuring an additional CT scan to prevent further inconvenience to patients,” he said.
