Wait for new MRI adds to patients’ woes

Nagpur, Oct 18

The GMCH is a big support for the economically weaker section patients, but due to lack of MRI facility, patients are facing a lot of trouble.

The MRI machine, which became obsolete in March 2018 was sold in junk in December 2019. The medical administration sanctioned `16 crore the Department of Mines and Minerals for the purchase of the new machine. The fund was also deposited with Hafkins Company. But till now the procurement process not completed. Patients are being referred to Mayo for MRI, but MRIs happen till 4 pm at Mayo.

The MRI machine, which was brought in GMCH was the first machine in 2008 in Vidarbha. So all patients from Mayo were also use to come to GMCH for MRI. Due to this lot pressure came on the machine and after completing its life span, it started developing lot of issues and huge money was spent on repair and maintenance. Event the maintenance contracte has also ended.

Taking cognizance of this, the GMCH administration prepared a proposal to buy a new MRI machine. Former guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule got the funds sanctioned from the Department of Mines and Minerals. Sources said that the medical administration gave the company money to buy the machine. Tender was also floated, but after this the process got stuck due to some reasons. Meanwhile, lockdown was implemented due to Covid infection.

But the process was again initiated in August,

and the GMCH administration is trying to speed up the procurement process.

Only 6 MRIs in Mayo per day!

As the MRI machine of GMCH is out of service, patients are being sent to Mayo. According to sources, MRI is not done after 4 pm and only six MRIs are done throughout the day, so what will happen to the serious or accident patients is being questioned.

Box

‘Process will be completed within a month’

Dr Aarti Anand, Head of Radiology Department of GMCH said that due to the lockdown, the tender process of MRI was stuck. The process started again in August. The procurement process is expected to be completed within a month. There was no problem in the treatment of patients, as appointments of Mayo was being taken for patients and medical students are sent to help them.