17 January 2005	Monday	06 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Jan 16: The radiology department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) is in dire need of another CT scan machine due to the increasing number of patients, who have to depend on the only old device installed there.

Head of the department Dr Tariq told PPI that the first CT scanner was installed at the department in 1984, that functioned till 1994. During the period, a total of 2,000 patients were benefited with an average of 15-20 patients a month, he added.

"After another CT scan machine was installed, in its early days, some 4-6 patients were availing the facility daily from 8am to 2pm. Later, the functioning time was fixed from 8am to 8pm, during which 12-13 patients got CT scanned. But now it is open from 8am to 12pm, and 20-30 patients are availing themselves of the facility every day," he said.

He said it was very difficult to manage such a large number of patients approaching the department, adding that some of them had to be even sent back without scanning. This situation could even endanger lives of many patients, especially of those injured severely in road accidents and terrorist activities, he feared.

"There is always a chance of a breakdown due to load on the machine, and sometime even a serious patient has to wait for an hour or so, if the CT scan of chest or abdomen are in process, as these take longer time," he said.

"Now a days, the concept of diagnosis before starting treatment is progressing, and even patients ask doctors about their disease. Due to certain conditions, its (CT scan's) demand is increasing rapidly. At present normal patients are on waiting list for seven days," he added.

Dr Tariq said the administration had planned to procure one more CT scanner with the support of philanthropists, and Rs5.5 million had been arranged by the Anfaq Foundation and the Patients' Aid Foundation, so far for the purpose.

"We will purchase new or refurbished CT scanner, and it will cost between 8-11 million rupees. A clear picture regarding the donations would emerge after Eid," he hoped. -PPI