Berhampur: Six special cabins were reopened in the obstetrics and gynaecology ward of MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday.

"These cabins had earlier been closed due to non-availability of nurses. But, we discussed among ourselves and sorted out the problem," said dean and principal of the medical college Radha Madhab Tripathy.

"We have also procured a new CT scan machine in the MRI centre. The machine will start work soon and the service will be free for indoor patients," said Tripathy.

"Two years ago, the charges for a CT scan was very low in our hospital. The charge was Rs 1,000 for a brain scan, Rs 1,700 for abdomen scan, Rs 1400 for chest scan and Rs 1,000 for scan of the limbs," said radiologist Shuklambar Sahu.

In private health care facilities, a brain scan normally costs Rs 3,000, an abdomen scan Rs 5,000, a chest scan Rs 4,000 and a scan of the limbs Rs 2,500. MKCG procured the CT scan machine at a cost of Rs 3 lakh. The machine will be able to provide service to about 40 patients every day.

"We have also procured equipment for conducting digital X-ray. We will start the service shortly," said Tripathy.

Manav Adhikar Suraksha Manch, which is spearheading an agitation for better healthcare at MKCG demanded immediate installation of CT scan and digital X-ray machines.