Patients suffer as KTH MRI machine remains dysfunctional

PESHAWAR:

The MRI machine at the Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) has been out of order for the past two weeks, forcing patients to use expensive private machines.

Due to this, thousands of patients are suffering as KTH is the second largest health facility of its kind in the province.

“For the past two years this machine is experiencing frequent breakdown. It is repaired but there is no sign that a new machine will be purchased for the hospital,” said an official while talking to The Express Tribune.

Some people even suggest that this machine was purchased by the Endowment Fund and given to the hospital.

“It is unfortunate that despite the financial autonomy the hospital is unable to solve its problems on priority basis neither the Board of Directors are determined to look at this crucial matter,” said an official, adding that each day around 50 MRI scans are done on average at the hospital.

“This is very difficult for the patients financially as well physically as most of the patients can’t walk in and out of hospital repeatedly for tests and scans,” said the officials, adding that even a sign board has not been displayed at the MRI lab so despite the fact that it is not workable patients still gather outside each day.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2021.