Srinagar, Mar 15: The Department of Radio Diagnosis and Imaging at Government Medical College Srinagar seems to be failing to serve the purpose of its creation. Reasons: Even though equipped with state-of-the art Computed Tomography Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound, the department is not providing round-the- clock diagnostic facilities to the patients admitted and visiting SMHS or trauma cases referred from other associated hospitals.
 Sources in the department told Greater Kashmir that despite adequate staff strength and equipment, it remains without specialist radiologist after the dusk and the patients many a times had to conduct the test at private diagnostic centres.
 “The ultrasound is conducted by house surgeons, who have very less knowledge about the test while the CT scan is not conducted on any patient,” sources said adding the on call specialists take many hours to reach the hospital, leaving the patients on their mercy. The sources said the CT remains out-of-order for most of the times forcing the patients to get the tests done outside.
 They said the department had adequate staff comprising four registrars, two radiologists working as assistant surgeons, two radiologists working as contractual consultants and four permanent consultants.
 “Despite such staff strength, the department is unable to prepare a roaster for night shift of the specialist radiologist,’ they said.
 According to experts, the department is of emergency nature as the trauma cases could arrive anytime in 24 hours. “In trauma every second counts for the patient and thus the presence of specialist radiologist was imperative in the department,” they said adding the departments in other tertiary care hospitals remain open for tests round the clock.
 When contacted the Head of the Department, Dr Sajjad Dar declined to comment and asked to call the hospital Medical Superintendent.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST