MRI machine lying out of order at NICH

KARACHI: The sole children's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) has been lying out of order since the past year. The hospital’s administration has been unable to get the machine repaired, sources at the NICH noted recently.

The MRI machine is used to help diagnose a wide range of conditions in children due to injury, illness, or congenital abnormalities.

After the sole pediatric MRI machine developed a fault, patients have been compelled to get the test done from private facilities that charge hefty fees. Pediatric patients with a variety of conditions within the brain, chest, abdomen, and other chronic diseases are being referred to private laboratories since the past several months.

An administrative official at the NICH confirmed that the MRI machine has been lying out of order for one year. He informed that the tender has already approved the purchase of a new MRI machine for the institution.

Director, National Institute of Child Health, Prof Syed Jamal Raza, was not available to make any comments.

-MN Report