Pulwama, Aug 27 (KNO): Patients in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are facing severe inconvenience as the CT scan machine at District Hospital Pulwama has remained defunct for the past two weeks.
The breakdown has forced patients to either delay vital diagnostic tests or travel long distances to Srinagar and Anantnag, causing immense financial and physical strain.
Several patients and attendants expressed their frustration over the non-functional facility. “My doctor advised me to get a CT scan after I suffered head injuries in an accident. But when I came here, I was told the machine is not working. I had to go to Srinagar and spend a lot of money on travel and the scan,” said Abdul Rashid, a patient from Rajpora.
Another patient, Shabnum Jan, who had brought her ailing father to the hospital, said the issue was taking a heavy toll on poor patients. “Most people here cannot afford private scans. The machine has been defunct for weeks now, and no one seems to care. We are helpless,” she said.
Patients also alleged that despite repeated assurances, the authorities have failed to restore the machine. “Every time we ask, hospital staff say it will be repaired soon, but weeks have passed and nothing has changed,” said Mohammad Yousuf, an attendant.
Meanwhile, locals have appealed to the health department to expedite the repair process, stressing that timely diagnostics are crucial for saving lives.
When contacted, an official admitted that the machine was not functional but assured that efforts are underway to restore the service. “Yes, the CT scan has developed a technical snag and has been defunct for the last two weeks. A team has already been deputed, and we are hopeful that the machine will be repaired within a day or two,” the official said—(KNO)