Patients struggle as MRI and mammogram machines break down at State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology
The MRI scanner, crucial for diagnosing and monitoring tumors, reportedly broke down ten days ago, while the mammogram machine — vital for breast cancer screening — has been non-functional for over a fortnight, according to hospital staff.
Patients and their families, many of whom travel from rural areas and depend on the subsidised services at Kidwai, said they cannot afford private diagnostic centers where the cost of an MRI or mammogram can run into thousands of rupees.
'I came here three days ago for my scan, and they told me the machine is not working. They asked me to come back after a week, but I cannot stay in Bengaluru for very long. Where will I go?' asked a 47-year-old breast cancer patient from Mandya district.
Sources said that the breakdown has caused severe bottlenecks. 'We are trying to prioritise urgent cases. The repairs are taking longer than expected,' a doctor said.
Alternate arrangements
The hospital officials acknowledged the problem and said that tenders for repair and maintenance are under way. 'The MRI and mammogram machines are undergoing repair due to technical issues. To ensure that diagnostic services continue without disruption, alternative arrangements have been made,' said an official statement from the institute director.
'MRI scans are now being facilitated at NIMHANS and Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics, based on a formal agreement (MoU) with these institutions. Patients admitted at Kidwai are being referred and provided the necessary diagnostic support at these centres,' the statement said.
The State government has approved the procurement of a new MRI machine, and steps are under way to repair the existing mammogram machine, it added.
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