Anantnag, Nov 20 (KNO): Patients in south Kashmir continue to suffer due to the absence of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, leaving them with no choice but to seek costly alternatives at private diagnostic centres.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), several patients expressed their frustration over the lack of MRI services, which they say is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Without the facility at GMC Anantnag, patients are forced to travel to private centers in Srinagar or other areas, where the cost of an MRI scan ranges between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000—an amount many cannot afford.
Javid Ahmad, a resident of Anantnag, said that after his doctor advised him to undergo an MRI, he had no option but to visit a private diagnostic centre. “It’s a huge financial burden for patients like me,” Ahmad said. “Many of us can’t afford the high cost of private diagnostic services, and those who can’t are left with no choice but to delay or forgo critical medical tests.”
Basharat Ahmad, another local patient, highlighted the plight of poorer patients. “For many, spending Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 on a single test is impossible. This delays our treatment, and in some cases, makes it too late to treat certain conditions effectively,” he said.
The absence of an MRI facility at GMC Anantnag has also raised alarms among medical professionals. A doctor, wishing anonymity, described the situation as dire. “MRI is a crucial part of modern medicine. It helps detect neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, vascular issues, and a variety of other conditions that require precise diagnosis,” he said.
The doctor said the lack of MRI availability at GMC Anantnag is challenging for patients with neurological conditions or complex illnesses, as timely diagnosis can be the difference between effective treatment and complications. “MRI is a lifeline for many patients, especially those suffering from conditions that are not visible through routine tests. Without it, diagnosing such conditions accurately becomes a challenge,” he said.
Principal of GMC Anantnag, Prof Dr Rukhsana Najeeb told KNO that the MRI machine has already been procured. “The installation of the facility is expected to be completed by April 2025,” she said. “The necessary space has already been allocated in A-Block of the hospital, and we are hopeful that it will be ready by the expected deadline.”—(KNO)