CT scan, MRI machineslying defunct at govt-run hospitals

An alarming disclosure has emerged that CT scan and MRI machines worth millions of rupees have remained out of order for years in several major public hospitals of Sindh.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed displeasure over the issue and directed the health secretary to restore the machines and submit a compliance report.

The revelations came during a PAC meeting held on Monday under the chairmanship of Nisar Khuhro, attended by committee members, Health Secretary Rehan Baloch, medical superintendents of various hospitals, and senior officials. The committee reviewed audit reports for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

The chairman questioned why expensive diagnostic machines at divisional hospitals remain non-functional. Reports indicated similar complaints from Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College Hospital in Sukkur and hospitals in Larkana.

Secretary Baloch informed the committee that while the CT scan machine in Larkana is operational, the MRI machine is out of order. He further alleged that in many hospitals, technicians deliberately damage the equipment to divert patients to private laboratories. He said action has already been initiated against those responsible.

The session also revealed that medical superintendents in different districts purchased medicines worth over Rs3 billion locally without following tender procedures. PAC sought a complete list of hospitals and details of the purchases. The health secretary explained that under PPRA rules, emergency procurement at local level is permissible, though 85 per cent of medicines are procured centrally and 15 per cent locally.

The committee also ordered action against illegal medical stores, directing that outlets selling counterfeit medicines or operating without licenses be sealed and cases registered against the owners. In addition, PAC raised concern over the cleanliness situation at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, where Rs135 million is spent annually on sanitation but conditions remain unsatisfactory.