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Punjab Hospitals Lack Essential MRI Machines
27 Jan
Summary
- Malerkotla hospital lacks a critical Intensive Care Unit.
- Punjab has MRI machines in only six out of 23 districts.
- CT scan and MRI machines are deemed 'desirable', not mandatory.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the state's health secretary to address significant deficiencies in district hospital infrastructure. During a hearing concerning the Malerkotla district hospital, the court expressed shock at the lack of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) despite its 130-bed capacity.
The court is scrutinizing the state's policy on diagnostic equipment, questioning why CT scan and MRI machines are not considered essential facilities in every district hospital. The Punjab government's affidavit stated these machines are classified as 'desirable' under Indian Public Health Standards, not mandatory, and are subject to clustering models. This explanation was deemed inadequate by the bench.
Further concerns were raised about specialist medical officer posts at the Malerkotla hospital. The government claimed all 15 sanctioned posts were filled, but the petitioner disputed this, noting specialists had not joined or were transferred. The court is seeking clarity on recruitment versus transfer policies for filling these crucial positions.
