The lone X-ray machine at the Matiranga Upazila Health Complex has been lying idle for long nine years as it cannot be operated due to the low voltage of electricity.
Matiranga Health Complex sources said the X-ray machine was installed in 2005 and could be operated till 2006.
Since then it had been remaining idle due to the low power supply, said Health Inspector of the upazila health complex Tapon Kumar Sarker.
“It requires uninterrupted power supply in the range of 200-220 volts to operate the machine while the available voltage ranges between 150 and 170 volts at the health complex,” Tapon added.
“Patients, who need to undergo X-ray tests, are now referred to Khagrachhari Adhunik Sadar Hospital and different private clinics for the purpose,” Senior Staff Nurse (Male) Mohiuddin Jamaddar said.
Rokeya Begum, 42, of Shantipur village under Matiranga upazila in the district alleged that they were very often referred to private clinics causing sufferings and financial losses to them.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer BM Moshiur Rahman said it was very sad the people of the upazila were not getting any X-ray service, though the machine was there and an operator was also recruited for it.
Dr Abul Hashem, Acting Resident Medical Officer of the health complex, said the higher authorities were informed the problem several times but there was no positive response.
Matiranga Municipality Mayor Abu Yusuf Chowdhury said the lone X-ray machine was installed at the health complex for about 1,00000 people of Matiranga.
