Patients are troubled by government health centers’ shortage of radiologists

There is only one radiologist accessible to do ultrasounds in the area, despite the fact that five government hospitals and one community health center (CHC)—Manali, Banjar, Anni, Nirmand, Kullu Regional Hospital (RH), and Jari CHC, respectively—have the necessary equipment. To make matters worse, the lone radiologist assigned to Kullu RH is also out of commission until April 18.

As a result, the number of patients in line for ultrasounds has been steadily increasing. Due to the large backlog of patients, ultrasound appointments for patients visiting these institutions are planned for a maximum of two to three months in the future. Even though the Kullu Hospital employs an ultrasonologist, he lacks the training necessary to do all kinds of ultrasounds.

Patients seek care at the Kullu hospital from districts other than Manali, Banjar, Sainj, and Bhuntar, including Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, and certain border regions of Chamba. Even though there is ultrasound equipment at six government health institutions in the area, Kullu RH is the only hospital with access to it since no radiologists have been assigned there, which has put a strain on the congested Kullu hospital. Because there is nowhere to acquire an ultrasound, people are compelled to go to private medical facilities, where the exam is quite expensive.

Prior to the arrival of a radiologist on April 1st of last year, the ultrasound facility had been essentially shut down since November 2021. After almost four months, on January 28, 2022, an ultrasonologist started providing ultrasounds for expectant women at Kullu RH. A radiologist had previously rendered these services in August and September of 2022. The ultrasound equipment at Jari CHC was also out of date and non-working due to a malfunction.

According to Kullu Chief Medical Officer Nag Raj Panwar, one ultrasonologist is now working at Kullu RH, and another will soon start at the Manali Civil Hospital. He also said that another ultrasonologist was in training and will shortly be working at the Nirmand Hospital. He assured that future usage will also extend to the ultrasound equipment in Banjar and Anni.

“Radiologists should be deputed in Civil Hospitals of the district on priority to ensure better health facilities,” said Manali resident Shivangi. Manikaran resident Pooja suggested that Jari CHC get a new ultrasound equipment and assign a radiologist as soon as possible.