Kulgam, Jan 14: The Computed Radiography (CR) X-ray system at District Hospital (DH) Kulgam has been out of service for 15 days, forcing patients to seek diagnostics at private clinics. While officials claim that the manual X-ray system is functional, it does not meet the demand for advanced imaging.
With advancements in technology, doctors now prescribe digital X-rays for their superior image quality. These high-resolution images help specialists diagnose a wider range of conditions, making the unavailability of the CR system a major inconvenience for patients and healthcare providers.
Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Aatgantoo, said he had to visit a private clinic for a digital X-ray after discovering the hospital’s machine was out of order.
“What could have cost us a few rupees at the hospital ended up being much more expensive at a private clinic,” he said, urging authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner and health officials, to expedite the repair process.
Another resident, Shahid Manzoor, said he was prescribed a digital X-ray, but with the machine non-functional, he had to rely on a private lab for the procedure.
“Patients have no choice but to visit private labs, even for basic X-rays,” he said.
Medical Superintendent (MS) of District Hospital Kulgam, A.G. Raina, said that the CR X-ray machine, installed in 2018 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), became hospital property six months ago had developed some technical issue.
He said an engineer was engaged to address the issue, and it was found that a damaged part needed replacement, which has to be procured from outside Jammu and Kashmir and is currently in process.
“We are in the process of acquiring a new Digital Radiography (DR) X-ray machine, which is an advanced version of the CR system. The DR system will offer high-resolution images and significantly improve diagnostic capabilities,” Raina said, adding that efforts are underway to expedite the process.
