Advanced lab equipments lie out of order at CHK

KARACHI: According to sources, the modern gamma camera device and angiography machine were currently lying out of order at the Cardiology Department of the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) for the past several months. As per reports, the hospital’s management has been unable to get this costly equipment repaired.

The gamma camera technology was introduced in the CHK in late 2013 for the first time, becoming the sole health institution in the country that offered the latest gamma camera test for people with cardiovascular diseases on lesser rates as compared to private institutions. Such technology was considered to be the safest test for patients suffering from heart disease.

As per local sources, the gamma camera test was useful for patients suffering from vein complications and a history of cardiac arrest. The gamma camera device was used to image gamma radiation emitting radioisotopes. Private sector hospitals were charging Rs20000 to 35000 per patient, while the CHK only charged Rs4500 per patient.

Poor patients who required the test were being referred to private and government sector hospitals since the last four months.

Similarly, the angiography machine of the CHK was also very old and outdated. Cardiac patients were being referred to private health facilities for angiography tests. The lack of angiography facilities in Sindh’s largest tertiary care hospital has compelled patients to visit other hospitals for the procedure, stated sources.

The angiography machine was used to visualize the inside, or lumen, of blood vessels and organs of the body, with a particular interest in the arteries, veins, and the heart chambers.

The Cardiology Department of the CHK urgently needed advanced angiography machines and should upgrade its Cath Lab to facilitate its patients.

Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital Karachi, Dr Khadim Hussain Qureshi, said that the tender for repairing the gamma camera machine and other equipment would be issued soon.

• -MN Report