SANJAY SHARMA
JAMMU: Essential diagnostic services at the Chest Diseases (CD) Hospital Jammu have come to a grinding halt, with both CT Scan and X-Ray machines reportedly out of order, leaving patients in distress and raising serious questions about accountability.
The hospital, which caters primarily to patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic respiratory illnesses, and other chest-related ailments, relies heavily on imaging diagnostics for timely and accurate treatment. However, with the breakdown of essential machines, patients are being forced to seek services at private diagnostic centres, often at high costs.
Patients visiting the hospital, many of whom are suffering from serious respiratory ailments, alleged that they are being forced to seek costly diagnostic tests at private centres due to the non-functional equipment.
“We come here because it is a government hospital and affordable. But when machines are not working, we have no option but to spend thousands outside,” said an attendant, expressing anguish to STATE TIMES reporter.
Several patients complained that the breakdown has caused delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for tuberculosis, chronic lung diseases and other chest-related complications where timely imaging is critical.
“Every day of delay affects treatment. Poor patients are the worst hit,” said a local resident accompanying his elderly father.
Hospital confirmed that both the CT Scan and old X-Ray units have been non-functional for some time, disrupting routine medical services. The situation has sparked public concern over maintenance systems and the pace of administrative response in restoring vital healthcare infrastructure.
When contacted, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma acknowledged the issue and stated that the process for installing new UPS machine in X-Ray unit is underway.
“The work is under process. Necessary steps are being taken to procure and install new equipment to ensure better diagnostic facilities for patients,” he said.
However, patients and attendants questioned why interim arrangements were not made to minimize inconvenience.
The prolonged unavailability of key diagnostic tools has sparked debate over who bears responsibility – whether it lies with hospital management, the Health Department, or higher administrative authorities tasked with infrastructure oversight.
With hundreds of patients visiting the hospital daily, public health advocates are demanding immediate intervention, temporary alternative arrangements, and a transparent inquiry into the lapse. Until services are restored, healthcare at the institution remains effectively on pause, leaving vulnerable patients to bear the brunt of systemic shortcomings.
