RECENTLY, after tavelling about 175km, I reached Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana, along with my 10-year-old nephew who has testicular disorder. I was advised by a doctor for doppler ultrasound and visited radiology department opposite of OPD block.

After spending 15 minutes in line, when my turn came the receptionist of radiology department asked me go to the doppler ultrasound room and get it verified from the doctor concerned that he would perform this ultrasound.

I did as asked. I was then advised to visit the reception to pay fee and get a receipt. I got a chit and submitted it to the assistant of the doppler ultrasound doctor at 10am. I was advised to wait for two hours.

I was told that the patients who came at 9am were still waiting to get their ultrasound done. After spending two hours my patient was not called for test.

I asked the staff about the doctor and why he was not present. I was told he was not in the duty room as he was busy elsewhere. At last the doctor reached there at 12:30pm. During all this time, patients, of whom some were in critical condition, had to wait for this long time.

The authorities should look into this issue and constitute teams for monitoring hospital staff.

Sajjad Ahmed Kalhoro

Kandiaro

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2016