Row erupts over MRI machine procurement cost at GMC Kathua
MRI
Kathua: A controversy has erupted over the procurement of a new MRI machine for the Government Medical College (GMC), Kathua. While the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) has issued a letter confirming the allocation of funds for the purchase of a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, a doctor on the social media platform 'X' has raised serious concerns about the cost.
According to the official document, a total of Rs 179.84 crore has been earmarked for the project, including the machine, turnkey site work, and additional charges. However, the doctor alleges that the government is overspending heavily, claiming that the amount being spent could have purchased three MRI machines instead of one.
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The letter issued by the General Manager of JKMSCL on September 11 mentioned, "In pursuance of the above captioned subject, I am directed to inform you that the Administrative Department has allocated funds under 'Machinery & Equipment' for the procurement of a 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine for your institution. You are requested to confirm the item along with the site readiness to JKMSCL."
Questioning the government's health reforms, the doctor said, "For the amount of money in which three MRI machines could have been purchased, only one machine is being acquired. That is, the public's tax money is being openly squandered.
He further stated, “Patients in hospitals keep wandering for months for an MRI. There is a budget, and there are funds — but instead of using them for the public's convenience, they are being used to benefit contractors and companies. This is not reform, it's a straightforward scam."
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that ''North India's first Government Homoeopathic College, centrally funded at a cost of Rs. 80 Crore will come up in Jasrota area of district Kathua in J&K'', Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said in Kathua.
