117 CHCS refused X-ray machines for lack of space

It is serious issue that in-charge of CHCS have refused to install the X-ray machine

BARMER: At least 117 community health centres (CHCS) in 30 districts of Rajasthan refused to allow installation of X-ray machines for lack of space and radiographers, according to the health department data.

Af t e r t hi s i nf o r mati o n reached top officials of the state health department, they told the chief medical and health officer (CMHOS) in the districts to ensure that the machines were installed.

The firm entrusted with the work o f i ns t a l l i ng X- Ray machine a t t he CHCS had recently informed the state health department about their refusal, following which the state authorities swung into action and directed the CMHO of concerned districts to ensure i ns t a l l a t i o n o f t he X- Ray machines.

According to the information, medical and health department had recently provided 117 X-ray machines, which were to be installed at CHCS in 30 districts.

Dr KK Sharma, director, public health, medical and health department, told HT: “It is seri

DR KK SHARMA, director, public health, medical and health dept ous issue that in-charge of CHCS have refused to install the X-ray machine.” He said the department has taken note of the issue. “We have strictly written to CMHO of the concerned districts to ensure installation of the X-ray machine at the earliest,” he said.

When HT checked why the in-charge at CHCS were not interested in the installation of X-ray machine, it came to light that in most of the CHCS there was no space for the installation of X-ray machine.

Out of the total 117 X-ray machines, four were allotted to Barmer and expected to be installed at the CHC in Jasol, Detani, Gida and Chohtan. However, Dr Arbab Abdul Malik, in-charge at Detani CHC in Barmer, told HT that X-ray machine was allotted to his CHC, but due to space problem its installation was not possible.

Admitting the problem, Dr Kamlesh Choudhary, CMHO, Barmer, said, “It is a fact that at two CHCS due to building problem, X-ray machines could not be installed. Issue has been under my notice and we are exploring option for the earliest installation of X-ray machine at these centres.” However, at Jasol and Chohtan CHCS in Barmer X-ray machines are already functional and the health department officials are planning to utilise the new machines at other centres.

Meanwhile, it has also come to light that in most of the CHCS, post of radiographer and assistant radiographer, who are eligible to operate X-ray machines, are vacant. Dr Arbab Abdul Malik, incharge at Detani CHC, told HT that besides building problem, they do not have a radiographer to operate the X-ray machine.

In Barmer, against the total sanctioned 47 posts of radiographer and assistant radiographer, only three posts have been filled. CMHO Dr Kamlesh Choudhary refused to comment on the vacant posts.