NAWABSHAH, June 10: A large number of kidney patients from Nawabshah, Naushahro Feroze, Sanghar and other areas are experiencing severe hardships because Lithotripsy machine at the Nawabshah Medical College Hospital has been out of order for the past four months.

Installed at a cost of Rs8.6 million only last year to facilitate kidney patients with the help of laser technology, the machine was collecting dust in the Urology Ward of MMC Hospital due to absence of electrodes.

Electrode is used to target the stone area in patient’s kidney and at least one such rod is required for a single operation at a cost of Rs.2300.

The company which installed the Lithotripsy machine also gave 75 complementary electrodes to the hospital. These rods were utilised for 75 operations.

Dr. Nazar Memon, Assistant Professor of Urology Ward told this correspondent that all the 75 electrodes were used for carrying out laser operations for removal of stones.

He further said that the electrode was a must for the procedure as one Electrode is used for each operation.

He further said that the Sindh Health Department was informed about the shortage of electrodes through Medical Superintendent of NMC Hospital and a response was still being awaited.

He further said that electrodes were not available in the local markets which could only be managed from abroad.

The Medical Superintendent of NMC Hospital, Dr. Mohammed Ali Sirewal, was not available for comments.

Patients from Nawabshah, Naushahro Feroze, Dadu and Sanghar have to proceed to Karachi for treatment as a result of non-functioning of the equipment.

A number of patients have demanded of Sindh Chief Minister and Health Minister to take notice of the non-functioning of Lithotripsy machine and direct the officials to ensure availability of electrodes.