Ultrasound machine defunct at sub-div hosp for eight years

Patients at the sub-divisional hospital of Jeypore in Odisha's Koraput district are facing a difficult time as the ultrasound unit is not functioning for the past eight years in the facility.
The machine went defunct in 2007, but the authorities concerned neither repaired it nor got a replacement.
As a result, patients are forced to shell out at least Rs 500 to get the test done from a private laboratory.
Expectant mothers are asked to go for ultrasound scan every trimester of pregnancy.
"We have to travel 22 km to Koraput to get the test done in the government hospital," said a patient. The district headquarters hospital at Koraput charges Rs 200 for the test.

According to hospital authorities, an ultrasound machine was procured in 1996, but it developed technical snags in 2007. Though the company agreed to repair the machine, it refused to give any guarantee on the work done.

"The repair work would have cost Rs 80,000. When the company refused to give any guarantee, the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) committee refused to proceed with the repair work," said Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (Jeypore) Dadhi Baman Tripathy.
The SDMO said a temporary licence issued by the district administration is required for purchasing a new ultrasound machine.
"Two years ago, Rs seven lakh was sanctioned from the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) for the machine. We are yet to get the licence and this has delayed the process," he said.

They have again approached the CMDO for permission to purchase the machine, he added.
"The administration will look into the matter and necessary steps will be taken soon," said Koraput district Collector Jaya Kumar V.