MGM Medical College and Hospital in Sakchi, which is hitting headlines regularly for the wrong reasons, finally has some reason to smile.
The state-run hospital will soon offer CT scan, ultrasound and X-ray facilities free of cost to patients, most of whom hail from the poor strata of society.
Superintendent of MGM Medical College and Hospital R.Y. Chowdhury on Sunday said a decision to this effect had been made at a high-level meeting at the state health department in Ranchi recently.
"The health department decided to offer CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound facilities free of cost. We are only waiting for the department to issue a circular to this effect," said Chowdhury.
At present, a patient needs to shell out Rs 800 for a CT scan, Rs 150 for ultrasound and Rs 50 for X-ray. Outside this state-run heal hub, however, these tests cost Rs 3,000, Rs 700 and Rs 200, respectively.
But, even Rs 800 can be a fortune for many. A complete waiver of the charge can make a difference between life and death for many.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the hospital superintendent said once the facilities were made free of cost, patient flow at the medical college and hospital would multiply.
According to sources, currently about 20 patients undergo CT Scan, 100 go for ultrasound and 75 patients turn up X-ray daily at the heal hub.
"Though right now we charge a token amount for CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound, majority of the patients find it difficult to pay. Once these facilities are made free, more and more patients will turn up," Chowdhury added.
Jamshedpur residents and those from neighbouring areas who avail healthcare services at MGM have welcomed this step.
"Very good news. The sooner this decision is implemented the better," said Arijit Sinha, a 35-year-old resident of Birsanagar currently undergoing treatment at MGM for bone injury.
But, Sinha, a private tutor, raised an obvious worry. "The CT scan machine at MGM often goes out of order, forcing patients to look elsewhere. Hospital authorities should properly maintain this sophisticated machine so that it does not get out of order. Authorities should also keep enough stock of X-ray films," he said.
