Anantnag, Feb 28: The non-availability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and Cath Lab facilities in GMC Anantnag is adding to the miseries of patients in this south Kashmir district.
Patients are left with no option but to get scanned in private diagnostic centres. Most of the patients told Rising Kashmir that they cannot afford to carry out the scan at private diagnostic centres.
Wassem Ahmad, a patient, while sharing his ordeal said he was recently advised for the MRI scan; however, the non-availability of the facility forced him to scan at a private diagnostic centre where they charged a hefty amount.
He said that due to the unavailability of the MRI facility at GMC Anantnag, the economically weaker section patients avoid such scans and tests.
“The poor patients suffer silently as they can’t afford to get themselves scanned at private diagnostic centres,’’ he said.
M Ishaq, an attendant of a patient, said the situation is even more painful for those hailing from remote areas as they visit the GMC with the hope of receiving better care at minimum cost.
“It is terrible and disheartening that most patients leave without having an MRI done because they can’t afford to scan at private diagnostic centres,” he said, adding that the authorities must keep such facilities available at the hospital and should not create further problems for the patients.
The non-availability of the Cath lab also makes patients suffer.
Many patients with serious heart conditions when referred to Srinagar hospitals for special treatment die on the way due to the lack of this facility at GMC Anantnag.
Ali Mohammad, a patient from Anantnag, said he recently suffered a minor heart attack and was referred to SKIMS Soura for angiography, a facility which is not available at GMC Anantnag.
He said that authorities must make such facilities available at GMC Anantnag so that the patients do not suffer as this is a serious humanitarian issue which should not be compromised.
Principal GMC Anantnag, Dr Tariq Syed told Rising Kashmir that the government has already approved their requisition for the establishment of a Cath lab and acquiring MRI Scan for GMC Anantnag. He acknowledged that patients suffer due to the non-availability of such facilities.
“Both facilities will be made available by March end,” Dr Tariq said.
