The X-ray machine at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Jumla, has been out of service for a week, leaving patients stranded.
Geographically remote Jumla and the Karnali region see a high number of daily injuries, falls, and bone-related cases at the hospital. However, with the X-ray machine broken, patients are facing difficulties.
Even though a long time has passed since the main X-ray machine at the hospital broke down, it has not been repaired, causing suffering for patients who travel from far away for treatment.
Patients with common injuries, accidents, orthopedic problems, and chest or lung-related diseases are most affected when the X-ray service is unavailable.
With the X-ray service non-functional, locals are forced to visit private medical centers. Despite the disruption and the hardships faced by citizens, hospital officials have not taken the issue seriously.
There has been little concern regarding the continuation of services during the breakdown. Even after a long time, no concrete steps have been taken to repair or replace the machine, leading to dissatisfaction among locals and healthcare workers.
The prolonged shutdown of X-ray services has led to complaints from citizens about the overall management and the staff of the institution.
Radiographer Satal Reule from the X-ray department stated that the machine suddenly broke down on the night of March 3. He said, “There was a problem with the X-ray machine’s kV meter, so it has been sent out of the district for repair. The breakdown, combined with the election holidays, caused delays in the repair. The X-ray service will resume in about 4–5 days.”
Dr. Kamal Thani, Hospital Director of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, confirmed that the broken X-ray machine has been sent for repair.
He stated that a part of the X-ray machine developed a problem last week and was sent for maintenance.
This institution is regarded as a reliable healthcare center in western Nepal.