CT scan machine defunct at GMC Handwara, patients suffer

Srinagar, Jan 25: The lone CT scan machine at the associated hospital of GMC Handwara in north Kashmir is lying defunct forcing patients to opt for private clinics and hospitals where rates are much higher than government hospitals.
Residents of Handwara and its adjoining areas said despite passing nearly a month, the CT scan machine remains out of order leaving patients with no option but to travel to other districts.
“People have been voicing their concern that the CT scan machine often faces technical issues forcing hundreds of patients to move to private clinics for the necessary scans,” said Javid Ahmad, a resident of Handwara.
Patients and their attendants have raised concerns about a lack of space in the associated hospital. The authorities have not yet shifted operations to the new building, causing inconvenience to the public.
“In case of emergencies, the patients are referred to Srinagar but many do not afford resources to travel to hospitals there or afford private care,” he said.
Ghulam Hassan, a senior citizen said when the medical college was announced they had high hopes that it will provide health services to people in the region but that is yet to happen.
The local also raised the issue of shortage of manpower including specialist doctors which is affecting health care and forcing them to shift to tertiary care hospitals.
People said that the GMC Handwara hospital caters to lakhs of patients from Tangdar, Machil and other hard-to-reach areas despite that there is still no 24/7 theatre.
Director (Coordination), New Medical Colleges, J&K, Dr Yashpal Sharma said the issue was not brought to his notice by the concerned authorities.
“I am not aware of it, still I will find out what is the issue and will try to resolve it as soon as possible. We are committed to patient care,” he said.