Gorkha Hospital's X-ray machine gathers dust

Gorkha - An x-ray mac hine which was purchased by the Gorkha Hospital a decade ago has remained unused to date. The advanced x-ray machine of 500 mA capacity has remained dead due to unavailability of three-phase electric power system to operate it. Three-phase power supply system along with the installation of a separate transformer within the hospital boundary is needed to operate the machine, but the hospital has been unable to afford so. 

This x-ray machine costs around Rs five million. Patients recommended for undergoing x-ray examinations are, most of the time, forced to either visit the private hospitals or Chitwan or Kathmandu Hospital to get the service. 

According to hospital information officer, Krishna Dhakal, x-ray service only by an old 100 mA capacity is currently available in the hospital. 

Patients have complained that the hospital has failed to render necessary services for them. The hospital that had initially 15 beds is now a 50-bed facility. 

Gorkha Municipality mayor Rajan Raj Panta said the Municipality has released Rs 500 thousands to the hospital to place the three-phase transformer required for operating the advanced x-ray machine.