X-ray machine lies idle for two decades
The lone X-ray machine at Moulvibazar’s Kulaura Health Complex has not once been used since the time it was purchased 24 years ago.
Patients at the 50-bed health complex are being deprived of a vital service for the lack of an operator.
According to the authorities, the x-ray machine was installed next to the emergency department on the ground floor of the complex on February 7, 1995. However, the authorities concerned at the time did not appoint a technician to run it. As a result, it was never switched on.
Over the years, the room was being used as a store room to keep medicine and hospital supplies.
Recently, the new appointed Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md Nurul Haque cleared out the room.
On a recent visit to the health complex, this correspondent saw that the room was locked up. When officials later opened the room, the correspondent saw various x-ray equipment stacked in one place.
Just next door, the emergency doctor advised Mizanur Rahman, a resident of Hazipur village who fell and injured his right foot, to get an x-ray.
“The duty doctor asked me to go to a private diagnostic centre as there is no x-ray facility here. I am a farmer from a haor area. How will I manage the money to get an x-ray from outside?” he asked.
An x-ray that would he would have to pay Tk 50 to Tk 150 for here, may run from Tk 200 to Tk 5,000 in a private clinic, depending on the size and quality of the film.
A local senior journalist Mosabbir Ali said low and middle-income families from 13 unions and one municipality are getting treatment from this health complex, which is about 35 kilometres from Moulvibazar Sadar.
Athikur Rahman Akhoi, join secretary of Kulaura Bebsahi Kayllan Samitee, alleged that the authorities of the upazila health complexes intentionally refer patients to private laboratories for diagnosis in exchange for commissions.
In response, the upazila health and family planning officer said it is not true that doctors refer patients to private laboratories in exchange for commission.
On the posting of the x-ray technician, Haque said the higher authorities have been informed time and again.
“As the machine was never operated, I cannot say whether it is functional. But as it has remained unused, it may become dysfunctional by now.”
The hospital sees about 300-400 patients a day on average, out of which 50-60 patients need x-rays and 30-40 patients need emergency x-rays, he said.
“We refer patients to Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital or private laboratories in such situations.”
When asked, he said an x-ray machine operator would typically need a technical diploma from a nursing school to get the job.
Civil Surgeon Shahjahan Kabir Chowdhury of Moulvibazar said not only here, it is a similar situation in seven other upazilas. “I submitted a petition to our senior authorities over the issue.”
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