Dehradun: The unavailability of MRI machine in the Government Doon Medical College Hospital (GDMCH), which has been non-functional for the past five days, has severely hit patients who are forced to get the test done in a private facility at a much higher cost.The hospital provides MRI test free-of-cost to the people from Below Poverty Line (BPL) category and the beneficiaries of Mukhyamantri Swasthya Beema Yojna (MSBY), while it charges Rs 3,500 from other patients. As per the hospital staff, on an average, 20 patients come for the test in a day.“This is the third time we have visited the hospital, but are being turned away as the MRI machine is still not fixed. It would greatly help if someone could inform if there is any other government hospital offering the MRI facility,” said Meera Devi, a patient.“At least two MRI machines should be kept in the hospital as patients are facing tough times. And this is the only hospital in the entire Garhwal region which offers MRI facility,” said a patient’s relative, Alankar Rawat.Reacting to the issue, medical superintendent of GDMCH Dr KK Tamta said, “The MRI machine will be operational soon, and till then, the patients can avail the facility in other MSBY empanelled hospitals.”Meanwhile, sources told TOI that the machine has been out of order due to non-maintenance work. According to the sources, the company which provides maintenance services has blacklisted the hospital over non-payment of dues, which amounts to around Rs 50 lakh.Recently, the hospital received Rs 4 crore from the government. However it was spent on other medical expenses. A hospital official, requesting anonymity, said the hospital administration has sent a proposal seeking additional funds, but the file is still stuck with the authorities.“The hospital has been asked to furnish additional details regarding operational expenses of the machine. Until the hospital provides the information, the government won’t release the funds,” the official added.

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