KC IMPACT: Sonologist deputed to DH Bandipora to make USG Unit functional

Suhail Rather

Bandipora, February 10: Five days after Kashmir Convener highlighted the  issue of defunct Ultra-Sonography Unit in District Hospital Bandipora, the district administration has deputed a sonologist to  the hospital to make the unit functional after six months.

In an order issued by the Block Medical Officer on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, a sonologist posted at Chuntimulla has been directed to attend three days a week at District Hospital Bandipora. “As desired by Worthy District Development Commissioner Bandipora in the interest of patient care Dr Heena Bashir Medical Officer PHC Chuntimulla is hereby directed to attend three days a week at District Hospital Bandipora viz Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday rest of the days doctor will attend at PHC Chuntimulla,” reads the order.

                Earlier Kashmir Convener reported that USG machine is lying defunct at District Hospital Bandipora for the past six months, putting the patients in trouble but the Health authorities seems to be least bothered about the same.

          The non-availability of USG facility at DH Bandipora had given a free hand to the private clinics as they were charging hefty sums from the patients thus troubling the poor patients and the long delay in making the unit functional had forced the locals to believe the conspiracy theory that some fringe elements in the hospital in conveyance with the private USG clinics are deliberately playing spoil game to keep the USG facility away from the hospital so that private clinics can earn better at their clinics.   Locals even alleged that the USG machine was deliberately damaged by these fringe elements, a claim that was not verified from the independent sources.

                However after Kashmir Convener highlighted the issue, Deputy commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad took strong note of the matter and assured that the USG unit will be made functional at earliest. "Issue was resolved by upgrading the USG machine with probes as required. Additional manpower will be assigned to operate for smooth functioning of facility," he had assured.

Meanwhile locals thanked the Deputy Commissioner for being prompt in grievance redressal and ensuring better healthcare services to the people of the district. They also appealed the Deputy Commissioner to launch a crack  down on private clinics who are minting money from the needy patients with impunity as there is no checks and balances and  rate list available for various medical tests including USG.