Handwara, Dec 19(KNS): A patient was pushed on a trolley for nearly one kilometre along the main road in Handwara after the CT scan machine at the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara was reported non-functional, officials said on Friday.

Relatives of the patient, who is reportedly suffering from multiple ailments, said they had brought him to GMC Handwara for treatment and possible admission.

They were informed that the CT scan machine was not working and that no ambulance was available, as it was engaged in transporting another patient.

With no alternative provided, attendants placed the patient on a trolley and moved him along the main road towards a private diagnostic centre.
“There was no help, and no ambulance was available. We had no choice but to push him on a trolley,” they told KNS.

The incident was recorded by locals and the video circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the situation at the hospital.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Following the incident, Administrative Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, constituted an inquiry committee to examine the matter.

The committee, he said, has been directed to submit its report by 11 am on December 20.

The inquiry committee includes Prof (Dr) Abdul Qayoom Lone, HOD Anesthesia; Prof (Dr) Javaid Ahmad Bhat, HOD Orthopedics; and Prof (Dr) Rafiq Ahmad Tagoo, HOD Dentistry, who will review hospital procedures, equipment functionality, and patient transport arrangements.

Officials said the committee will assess the reasons behind the unavailability of the CT scan and ambulance services and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.(KNS).