No Paper, No X-ray Films Leave Jagtial Hospital Patients in Distress
For many families who depend on the government hospital because they cannot afford private treatment, the additional expense has become a heavy burden.
Karimnagar: Patients at the Government General Hospital in Jagtial district are allegedly being forced to take photographs of their ECG and X-ray results on mobile phones due to a shortage of printing paper and X-ray films, causing hardship and concern.
For nearly a month, the radiology and emergency departments have reportedly been unable to provide physical reports, leaving patients to carry digital images of their medical results on personal phones to show doctors.
The situation has caused frustration among those seeking treatment. Hospital staff are said to be informing patients without smartphones that their reports have been sent directly to doctors, often without giving them any proof of the test results.
The practice has raised concerns over patient privacy and medical accuracy, as unclear phone images may affect proper diagnosis.
Adding to the problems, the hospital is also facing a shortage of essential medicines. Patients are reportedly being forced to buy Monocef antibiotic injections from private medical shops outside the hospital as stocks have run out in the pharmacy.
For many families who depend on the government hospital because they cannot afford private treatment, the additional expense has become a heavy burden.
Patients and local residents have expressed anger over the situation, alleging administrative failure. They said no visible steps had been taken to restore basic supplies despite the crisis continuing for weeks.
Efforts to obtain a response from the authorities were unsuccessful.
District medical and health officer Dr Sujatha did not respond to phone calls from Deccan Chronicle.
