Old X-ray machine adds to patients’ woes at Ghoraghat hospital

DINAJPUR, Oct 21: Patients at Ghoraghat Upazila Health Complex are facing serious difficulties in getting X-ray services due to an outdated machine and conflicting information from the facility’s authorities and its X-ray technologist.

Many patients are being forced to visit private diagnostic centres at their own expense because the health complex’s X-ray machine, purchased in 1994, can reportedly provide only limited services.

During a recent visit to the facility, patients were seen arriving for X-rays prescribed by doctors. Several said they were later advised to have the tests done outside because the old machine could not perform the required examinations.

This is creating additional financial pressure on low-income patients and their families. Patients needing urgent care are also losing valuable time while travelling to private facilities and returning with their reports, they said.

Shamsher Ali, medical technologist (X-ray) at the health complex, said other upazila health complexes in Dinajpur have digital X-ray machines, but Ghoraghat still relies on the machine bought about 32 years ago.

“Only X-rays of the hands and legs can currently be performed with the old machine,” he said.

The health complex authorities, however, gave a different account, saying X-rays of the chest can also be performed, although patients are advised to have tests for tuberculosis done elsewhere.

The conflicting information has left patients and their relatives confused about which X-ray services are actually available at the facility.

Several patients' relatives questioned how they could obtain accurate information if officials responsible for the same service provide different accounts.

As the 50-bed health complex has been providing limited X-ray services with the old machine for years, locals have demanded the installation of a modern digital X-ray machine without further delay.

Asma Begum, 45, who came to the emergency department, said a doctor had advised her to have a chest X-ray at the health complex.

“But when I came here for the test, I was told that the old machine could not perform a chest X-ray. Such mismanagement and negligence are unfortunate for people seeking treatment,” she said.

Asked about replacing the 1994 machine, Dr Priyanka Kundu (Rupam), acting upazila health and family planning officer, said the authorities had informed higher authorities in writing five times.

“We are waiting for their assurance,” she said.

Regarding the conflicting information, Dr Kundu alleged that the X-ray technologist was giving patients incorrect information despite instructions from the authorities.

She added that the health complex authorities provide staff with proper instructions regarding all services.