Radiology department of the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Jan. 24: Sriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital — the state’s biggest government-run hospital — has come under the scanner again for not being able to cater to the medical needs of patients from far-flung areas.

It is learnt that one of the two computed tomography (CT) scan machines of the hospital has remained out of order for the past few days.

Computed tomography scan (also known as CT scan) is a computerised x-ray procedure. A CT scan produces cross-sectional images of the body. The images are far more detailed than x-ray films, and can reveal disease or abnormalities in tissue and bone more prominently.

Apart from the defunct CT scan machine, the existing x-ray machines have also become obsolete. The patients, as well as the medical staff including doctors, are unable to diagnose patients’ problems as the quality and picture of the x-ray is not good.

“We have conducted the x-ray twice, but as the picture of the film was not satisfactory, the doctors asked us to conduct x-ray again and again. It is frustrating that patients and their relatives are suffering here so badly,” said Seikh Farzan, relative of another patient.

The life span of a CT scan machine at the hospital had expired in the month of December last year. However, efforts were initiated to repair the machine, which continued to function till January 11.

A patient has to pay between Rs 800 and 1,000 for undergoing a CT scan at the hospital and the cost of x-ray ranges from Rs 50 to 250 here.

As the existing machines in the hospital have either become defunct or obsolete, the private diagnostic centres in and around the medical campus at Ranihat and Mangalabag areas are making huge profits.

Officials of the SCB Medical College and Hospital have, however, admitted that there have been problems in x-ray and CT scan machines at the hospital.

“Steps are being taken for the procurement of digital x-ray and CT scan machines. We hope that things will improve with the installation of new equipments at the hospital,” said emergency officer B. Moharana.

Efforts are being initiated to upgrade the existing equipments and purchase new machines. A meeting was held today to discuss the problems of the hospital. Revenue divisional commissioner P.K. Mohapatra presided over the meeting, which was also attended by SCB Medical College dean and principal P.K Chinara, and district collector.

“Many important decisions for the development of the hospital were taken today. The heads of all the departments have been asked to fix the price and sell certain equipments that are not functioning and are occupying space unnecessarily. A lot of equipments that are essential would soon be procured by the state government for the hospital,” Mohapatra said.