MRI and CT Scan machines to be outsourced at Gandhi Medical College

Bhopal:Radio Diagnostic tests of victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy will be outsourced by the Department of Gas Relief and Rehabilitation (DGRR) for the first time. This is being done to overcome the shortage of radio diagnostic machines. The outsourcing is likely to commence from next week.

The Gas Rahat Hospital that is presently operating from Kamla Nehru wing of Gandhi Medical College (GMC) will be outsourcing these tests

"Tendering process for outsourcing tests has been completed. Three private diagnostic centres have been selected for conducting the tests at 5% or more lower than central government health scheme (CGHS) rates," said DGRR Director, Dr KK Dubey.

"Success of the initiative is likely to be replicated by other government hospitals, including GMC," he added.

Surprisingly, CT scan or MRI machines which are supposed to be mandatory for emergency care and as per the Medical Council of India(MCI), Guideline for all medical colleges, are not in an operational condition at the Hamidia Hospital.

For years the CT scan machine at the Kamla Nehru wing was operated by the DGRR, however, according to information the machine has been non operational for some years now and is likely to be auctioned soon.

The GMC purchase proposal for MRI and CT scan machines has been pending with the Directorate of Medical Education, for a while now. The DGRR proposal, which would include MRI, CT Scan, colour Doppler and Mammography diagnostics is based on the CGHS rates.

"As per our agreement, the service provider would provide ambulance for patients. Emergency patients report would be furnished in three hours and other reports within a working day," he added reports the TOI.

PET-CT scan a combination of PET scan and CT scan for detection of cancer and heart diseases will cost about Rs 12,500 (40% less than CHGS rate), MRI 20% less than CGHS rate, he stated.