Srinagar, Oct 24: Patients in south Kashmir are facing significant inconveniences due to the absence of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan facilities in government hospitals, leaving many unable to afford private diagnostic services.
Patients from south Kashmir districts like Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag said the lack of such a facility is creating a lot of problems for patients who cannot afford such type of scanning at private diagnostic centres.
Those from south Kashmir said they are compelled to travel to Super Speciality Hospital Shireen Bagh and SKIMS Soura in Srinagar for MRI scans, which are unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.
Javid Ahmad from Pulwama said patients face a lot of inconvenience in the process due to long-distance travel and the rush in Srinagar hospitals.
“At GMC Anantnag, the establishment of the MRI facility is the need of the hour which will have advantages for both medical practitioners and the community at large,” Javid, himself a patient, said.
He said the hospital administration at GMC Anantnag has already earmarked a dedicated space for the installation of an MRI scanner in A-Block.
Many patients highlighted the hospital’s pivotal role in serving a population exceeding 40 lakhs in south Kashmir, encompassing areas such as Anantnag, Kulgam, portions of Shopian and Pulwama, and extending its services to regions like Banihal, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
Locals said the introduction of MRI facilities is not just a necessity but a moral and humanitarian responsibility to ensure that this vast and diverse populace has access to superlative healthcare services.
Dr Owais H Dar, a Consultant Radiologist said the establishment of an MRI facility at MMABM Hospital, GMC Anantnag is the need of the hour.
“This MRI facility will promise to unlock essential diagnostic capabilities, foster groundbreaking medical research, and redefine patient care. It is imperative that the authorities recognise this pressing necessity and take prompt and decisive action to make MRI services a reality at GMC Anantnag, for the ultimate benefit of the people it so dutifully,” he said.
Dr Aubid Hussain Malik, Medical Superintendent MMABM Hospital, GMC Anantnag said they have sent a requisition to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
“The process is on and we are on it. It has not been sanctioned as of this date. Maybe we get the MRI machine this year. Its procedure is lengthy,” he said.
