Patients at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar have complained that the hospital is not providing them with the essential CT scan contrast injection, Lopromide, Ultravist 370 and is instead directing them to purchase it from the open market.
According to attendants, SKIMS has been informing patients that the contrast medicine is in short supply and advising them to buy it privately for Rs 1,550. This has raised concerns over the availability of critical medical supplies at the premier Institute in Kashmir.
"Why we are being forced to bear additional costs for a medicine that should be readily available within the hospital," said an attendant.
When approached for clarification Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr. Farooq Jan, declined to comment, advising that the matter be taken up with the hospital’s official spokesperson, Mrs Kulsum. However, Mrs Kulsum maintained that the medicine is available in the hospital but added that only the Medical Superintendent could provide further details.