The radiology department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) is in dire need of procuring one more CT scanner machine due to every day increasing burden of patients on the only old CT scan installed at the department. Head of department Dr Tariq told newsmen that first time a CT scanner was installed at the department in 1984 that functioned till 1994. "During the period a total of 2000 patients benefited with an average of 15-20 patients a month," he added.
"After another CT scan machine was installed, in its early days some 4-6 patients were availing facility daily from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. Later the functioning time was fixed from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, during which, 12-13 patients were managed to get CT scan. But now it is open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm and 20-30 patients are availing the facility every day," he said.
He said it was very difficult to manage such a large number of patients approaching to the department and some time patients were denied for facility as it was already occupied by a patient. "This situation posses great threat to precious human lives especially in road accidents, terrorist activities," he feared.
"There is always a breakdown due to load on machine and some time even a serious patient have to wait for an hour if CT of chest or abdomen are in process as these take long time," he said.
"Now a days concept of diagnosis before starting treatment is progressing and even patients ask doctors about their disease. Due to certain conditions its demand is increasing rapidly. At present normal patients are on waiting list of seven days," he told.
Dr Tariq said they had planned to procure one more CT scanner with the support of philanthropists and Rs 5.5 million had been arranged by Anfaq Foundation, Patient's Aid Foundation so far for the purpose.
"We will purchase new or refurbished CT scanner and it will cost between Rs 8 to 11 million. A clear picture regarding donations would emerge after Eid. It will help us great to save precious lives by diagnosing the disease in golden hour time," he hoped.