10-day wait for ultrasound scan at SN Medical College

Agra: Patients who want to get an ultrasound done at the radio diagnosis department of SN Medical College here have to wait for more than 10 days to undergo the test due to shortage of manpower. According to a medical college official, everyday some 70-80 patients come for ultrasound.
Work at the X-ray section which had stopped resumed on Thursday. Some 150 patients visit the section for X-Rays every day.The MRI and CT-scan sections where fewer patients come are functioning.
Acknowledging shortage of manpower, head of the radio diagnosis department Dr Hari Singh said, “We have only three senior doctors against 11 sanctioned posts for the department. There are six ultrasound machines. And we have to manage with limited manpower.” He added the problem will be solved soon as manpower will be increased and after that, patients will not have to wait for so long.
However, patients said they were being forced to shell out hefty sums for ultrasound tests at private centres. “At SN Medical, I can get an ultrasound done for Rs 201, whereas at private centres, I would have to pay Rs 800 for the same scan,” said Girraj Singh, husband of Neelam Singh from Chakkipaat locality.
Rukmani Devi, 36, from Nai Abadi locality of Agra said, “I was told that I have to wait for next 10 days for my turn. I have no option but to come again on the appointed date. My treatment will begin only after the report comes.”
Another patient, Rajaram Gurjar, said, “I have come after 20 days as when I had visited the last time I was told to come on April 19. Today also, I had to wait for more than five hours to get the ultrasound done.” He said due to financial problems, patients are forced to wait for long for their turn.