Lack of MRI facility brings hardships for patients at Dehradun district hospital

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun

Many patients have voiced their concerns regarding the absence of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay District Hospital, creating significant challenges for many individuals. They argued that as a district hospital, it should offer comprehensive treatment options for those who seek care there. The unavailability of MRI which is an important modern diagnostic tool at the hospital has impacted the quality of services provided in the District Hospital. Many of them pointed out that the authorities need to address this issue and take appropriate action. 

Importantly, while the district hospital does offer CT scans, ultrasound and other related services, MRI services are unavailable. Despite having the necessary space and staff, the MRI services are wanting due to which the patients have to move to the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital increasing its patient load further.

 Patient Gogi Chauhan expressed her concerns about the district hospital, stating that it falls short of its title as it does not provide essential services, such as MRI facility. She said that her doctor recently prescribed an MRI, but the procedure was referred to GDMC Hospital instead. The lack of MRI services at the District hospital makes it time-consuming for her to travel to another facility and then return for treatment. 

Another patient, Jai Anand, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Although it is designated as a district hospital, it lacks crucial services like MRI. As a result, many patients, including myself, have to travel to GDMC hospital for this diagnostic service and then return for treatment, which has been problematic for me during my illness.”

The Principal Medical Superintendent (PMS) of the hospital, Dr Manu Jain acknowledged that the MRI machine is not currently available at the district hospital. “The hospital does offer CT scans, ultrasounds with advanced technologies for patients. However, the unavailability of MRI services is indeed a significant concern for many patients. On average, about 10 to 12 patients every day seek MRI services at the hospital, but due to the lack of this service, they are redirected to GDMC hospital. In response to this issue, the hospital administration has submitted a proposal to the Director General of Medical Health for the installation of an MRI machine. The hospital has an adequate space available at the hospital for the MRI machine,’’ he said.