Both the CT scan machines at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital remain out of order causing huge suffering for patients with critical head injuries requiring scan.
One of the two machines got broken nearly six months ago and the remaining one on November 22. DMCH Radiology and Imaging Department sources said it is uncertain when they will be fixed.
Medical experts say that the condition of patients with head injuries worsens on the way to private diagnostic centers for CT scans, as they suffer serious jolts on the streets.
“In many cases, head injuries are linked with other injuries. Moving these patients back and fourth is very dangerous. Even tissues in their head can be severed,” said Prof Amjad Hossain, former head of DMCH Orthopedic department.
Textile worker Abul Kashem was admitted to the DMCH with a critical head injury on Saturday.
The 32-year-old was sent to a private hospital for a CT scan and his condition worsened on the way back to the DMCH, said his father Bachhu Miah.
CT scans at private hospitals are costly too. Kashem’s family had to spend Tk 3000 for the test that would cost Tk 2000 at DMCH.
An associate professor of Radiology and Imaging Department preferring anonymity said a huge number of patients come to DMCH with head injuries as it offers 24-hours scanning facilities.
He also said the two CT scan machines are insufficient to meet the hospital’s demand, adding, they might have gone out of order for taking extra pressure.
Records of the DMCH justify the professor’s statement. The one that stopped functioning last week remained out of order for one year before it was mended in May this year.
Sources at Radiology and Imaging Department said they have repeatedly informed the authorities about the condition of the machines. The ministry concerned is also aware of the problem, they added.
DMCH Director Brigadier General Shahidul Hoque Mallik told The Daily Star that one of the machines will start functioning within a week. The ministry has decided to replace its picture tube, which will cost Tk 40 lakh, he added.
