Berhampur: X-ray and ultrasound machines stopped working at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital here with the radio diagnostic building experiencing a power cut from six in the morning to 2pm.

"The power supply was disrupted for several hours because one phase of the seven-year-old cable connecting the radio diagnostic building developed a snag. The power supply was restored after we replaced the old cable with a new one," said assistant engineer of general electrical division Subash Chandra Nahak.

"During verification, we found the cable had loose contact. We opted for a permanent solution because there were chances of voltage fluctuation and damage to the costly X-ray and ultrasound machines. Though the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument is located in the same building, it is supported by a diesel generator set and consequently, the MRI unit was not affected. But with no diesel generator set to power the X-ray and ultrasound machines, those did not function during the power-cut," said Nahak.

Radiologist Shuklambar Sahu said the period between 6am to 2pm was usually a very busy time. "Generally 100 to 120 cases come to the X-ray and between 40 and 45 cases to the ultrasound every day on an average. It was a tough day for the patients and all of us. But we cleared the cases later in the afternoon," he said.

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