RAHIM YAR KHAN: The patients have been facing difficulties in their treatment due to non-functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the Shaikh Zayed Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) for the last three weeks.

The out-of-order CT Scan machine at the radiology department has also not been replaced for more than one year. Sources in the SZMCH said the MRI machine was functional but two chillers which were necessary to maintain the temperature of the machine were not properly working. The issue of chillers had been going on for the last many years.

After May 17 last some procedures of brain and spine were done and remaining MRI procedures were stopped. The main Philips CT Scan machine of 16 slice expired one year ago but due to unavailability of funds, it had not been replaced till now.

Former deputy commissioner Ali Shehzad had a new Toshiba CT Scan machine of 164 slice installed outside the new emergency building but, sources said, its payment was yet to be made.

There was also a plan to build a model radiology centre near the canteen of new emergency building with the latest angiography unit and two CT Scan machines but the project was still on paper.

SZMCH spokesperson Deputy Superintendent Rana Ilyas Ahmed admitted that the vital equipment and machines were out of order. He said the head of radiology department would contact this correspondent and share his stance.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2021