KD NEWS SERVICESRINAGAR, Oct 07: All the district hospitals in Kashmir Valley are facing a severe shortage of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan facilities, leaving the patients with no choice but to turn to overburdened hospitals in Srinagar. According to the information obtained, the absence of MRI services in government hospitals has created significant problems for patients who cannot afford private diagnostic centres. They are forced to endure long waits for their turn due to the overwhelming rush in Super-Speciality Hospital Shireen Bagh and SKIMS Soura. Patients from various parts of Kashmir have expressed their grievances, citing the inconvenience caused by the long-distance travel and overcrowding in hospitals in Srinagar. They said that health issues, especially for economically disadvantaged people, should not be overlooked by the authorities. Officials acknowledge the challenges faced by patients travelling from remote areas such as Macchil, Keran, Tangdhar, Gurez, Uri, Kangan, Keller, Aripal, DH Pora, Pahalgam, and others. They urge the government to prioritise this matter and actively pursue solutions at the highest level, and ensure that patients do not suffer. Financial constraints should not impede the allocation of necessary funds for these vital healthcare services, they said. Doctors have noted that the absence of MRI facilities in district hospitals compels patients to travel to Srinagar or private diagnostic centres, leaving the financially weak patients with no choice but to wait endlessly at government hospitals. “This delay in diagnosis and treatment has proven to be fatal for many,” said a doctor. Spokesperson for the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mir Mushtaq acknowledged the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities for the people. “While MRI services are presently unavailable in district hospitals, these services are accessible in tertiary hospitals in Srinagar,” Dr Mushtaq said. He expressed hope that in the future, such crucial facilities would be extended to new medical colleges and major district-level hospitals—(KNO)
