7 months ago
2
Health activists and residents successful Karaikal person urged the Puducherry Health Department to revoke the transportation of the lone radiologist serving astatine Karaikal Government Hospital (GH), informing that the determination volition cripple indispensable diagnostic services for mediocre and exigency patients.
The 116-year-old hospital, established successful 1908, caters to thousands of outpatients from Karaikal and adjacent villages. It is the lone authorities installation successful the territory equipped with CT scan and MRI services, some of which beryllium connected a qualified radiologist. The MRI machine, installed successful September 2024 astatine a outgo of ₹9 crore, became operational lone 4 months agone aft a full-time radiologist was appointed — the archetypal for the territory successful respective years.
However, infirmary sources accidental the Puducherry authorities has precocious issued a transportation bid for the radiologist, sparking interest among residents. “If the transportation takes effect, diagnostic services specified arsenic CT and MRI scans volition travel to a halt,” said a elder aesculapian officer, adding that portion 2 replacements person been appointed connected paper, neither has reported for duty.
“In the past, doctors posted to Karaikal from Puducherry person often been reluctant to join,” the authoritative adds.
In a petition submitted to Karaikal Collector, section activists said the transportation would severely impact mediocre and middle-class patients who trust connected authorities services. “Without a radiologist, patients volition beryllium forced to question to Puducherry oregon wage precocious charges astatine backstage centres. This determination endangers lives,” the petition stated.
Members of Karaikal People’s Struggle Group and Youth Congress State vice-president M.C. Samir condemned the move, urging the authorities to reconsider. “The radiologist’s beingness is vital. Removing the lone specializer aft yet operationalising the MRI and CT units defies logic,” said Mr. Samir.
Speaking to The Hindu, a elder authoritative from the Karaikal GH said the medication had written to the Directorate of Health Services successful Puducherry to defer the transportation until replacements physically report.
Activists person besides demanded the assignment of a 2nd radiologist oregon the instauration of tele-radiology services to guarantee continuity. “A azygous specializer is not capable for a territory of this size,” said Mr. Samir.
At present, the Karaikal GH handles implicit 250 imaging cases per week including mishap victims, antenatal patients, and neurological cases. The infirmary medication maintains that sustained staffing is captious to afloat utilise its upgraded diagnostic facilities.
