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KGMU Ultrasound Delays Leave Patients in Painful Lurch
17 Sep
Summary
- Ultrasound appointments at KGMU now extend up to six weeks.
- Patients in urgent need are forced to pay high fees at private centers.
- Hospital spokesperson cites increased patient rush due to changing weather.
Patients seeking ultrasound services at King George's Medical University (KGMU) are experiencing prolonged delays, with appointment wait times extending as far as six weeks. This significant backlog is impacting patients across various departments, including the new OPD and Queen Mary's Hospital.
The extended wait at the PRO office appointment counter is compelling many individuals, even those requiring urgent diagnoses, to turn to expensive private diagnostic centers. For example, a 23-year-old patient advised an urgent ultrasound on September 14, 2026, was given an appointment for October 22, 2026, a wait of 38 days. Another 65-year-old patient, advised on September 14, 2026, received an appointment for October 30, 2026, a 46-day delay.
Families of admitted patients are also reporting similar delays. A 13-year-old admitted on September 14, 2026, was given an ultrasound date of September 24, 2026, despite a serious condition. These delays cause considerable anxiety, especially when treatment hinges on diagnostic imaging reports.
KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh acknowledged the increased patient rush, attributing it to changing weather patterns. He assured that efforts are being made to reduce waiting periods, streamline processes, increase appointment slots, and deploy additional staff to ensure timely care for all patients.
