Ultrasound trouble in Munger

Munger: Private ultrasound centres are doing brisk business in Munger since April, when the government’s 10-year contract with a private agency ended.

The State Health Society Bihar had signed a 10-year contract with IGEMS in 2008 and health department’s principal secretary Sanjay Kumar had said the government “did not see value in its extension” as it was an old deal. After the decision, civil surgeons had been directed to make arrangements to provide ultrasound and other services at their levels with the help of private agencies.

But patients are left with no option but to visit private ultrasound centres as the government hospitals, including the Munger sadar hospital, has been unable to get qualified professionals for the job.

For a partial ultrasound, a patient has to pay Rs 500 and for a complete test Rs 1,000.

“I’m pregnant and have been advised to do ultrasound tests to see the development of the foetus. I had to pay Rs 1,000 for the test at a private centre,” said a 30-year-old woman from Churmba village under the condition of anonymity.

Shivanand, former manager of the IGEMS centre at the sadar hospital here, told The Telegraph that earlier nearly 60 patients availed of the free ultrasound tests.

Munger civil surgeon Yogendra Prasad Bhagat said the administration has a digital machine but that can only manage about 10 tests a day, which is not enough.

“The Bihar State Health Society directed us to make alternative arrangements for ultrasound tests in Munger sadar hospital. But qualified professionals like radiologists are not available here so we have been unable to resume the ultrasound facilities at the sadar hospital. We are requesting private professionals now but in vain,” said Bhagat.

Courtesy: The Telegraph