Patients forced to seek private facilities or travel to Madurai for critical scans
Sivaganga– The MRI scan facility at the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital has remained defunct for more than two months, disrupting essential diagnostic services and causing inconvenience to patients who now either travel to Madurai or rely on costly private scan centres.
Frequent Breakdowns and Long Repair Times
Hospital sources revealed that the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, operated under a private contract, has been experiencing frequent malfunctions, particularly over the past year. The equipment, which is over 10 years old, plays a vital role in diagnosing nerve, muscle, bone, and tumour conditions. However, its outdated nature and technical complexity have made repairs difficult and time-consuming.
A hospital official stated that each time the machine breaks down, it takes nearly two months to restore, severely impacting patient care. The current issue has rendered the machine non-operational since February.
Patients Referred to Madurai or Turn to Private Centres
With the MRI unit closed, patients are being referred to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai. However, the travel distance, coupled with financial and logistical constraints, has led many to opt for private scanning services within Sivaganga.
“Most patients can’t afford to go to Madurai just for a scan. They are compelled to get it done at private centres,” a doctor from the hospital noted.
Insurance Coverage Affected
Under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, MRI scans are provided free of cost. For those not covered, the charge is ₹2,300. Before the breakdown, nearly 10 patients availed the MRI service daily.
The unavailability of this service has placed a financial burden on uninsured patients and delayed diagnosis for many others.
Contractual Uncertainty and Helium Shortage
The MRI facility is managed by a private operator, whose contract is due to expire in September 2025. Sources indicate that the contractor has shown reluctance to replace the aging machine with a new one. Additionally, a shortage of helium gas—a critical component for operating the scanner—has further delayed the repair process.
Demand for Immediate Intervention
The prolonged downtime of the MRI unit has raised concerns over the reliability of contracted services in public hospitals. Healthcare workers and local residents are urging the state government to intervene, replace the outdated equipment, and ensure the continuity of diagnostic services at the hospital.
