Dysfunctional X-ray machine affects service delivery

Damauli, July 27

Patients have been in crisis after Damauli Hospital’s X-ray machine went dysfunctional three weeks ago in Tanahun.

Patients have been paying higher amounts in private health facilities to have an X-ray done in the absence of the X-ray service in Damauli Hospital. The hospital’s modern X-ray machine had been providing service to patients for the past five months. Radiographer Bigyan Chhetry at the hospital said the machine had not been functional since July 7. “We are compelled to send patients to private clinics to get their X-ray done,” he added. Around 15 to 20 patients had been availing the X-ray service on a daily basis at Damauli Hospital. Chhetry said the patients would have to spend around Rs 500 in private clinics for an X-ray, while the hospital charged only Rs 175.

District Health Office, Tanahun Chief Dr Pawan Jung Rayamajhi said importing parts of the machine and repairing would need more time. Dr Rayamajhi informed that technicians from western regional health directorate, Pokhara, had inspected the machine and provided a list of parts that needed to be imported.