Anantnag, July 14: The absence of round-the-clock ultrasound (USG) services at the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH), Anantnag, has emerged as a major concern, with emergency patients reportedly facing significant difficulties in accessing essential diagnostic imaging during evening and night hours.
The issue came to light after a patient from a remote area, referred to the hospital late at night and transported by ambulance, was advised to undergo an urgent ultrasound examination. Upon reaching the radiology section, the patient found the facility closed and had to search for a private diagnostic centre despite being unfamiliar with the town.
MCCH Anantnag, the only maternity and child care hospital affiliated with Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, caters to a large population from Anantnag and neighbouring districts. The hospital receives emergency obstetric and gynaecological cases round the clock, making the non-availability of after-hours ultrasound services a serious concern for patients requiring immediate diagnostic evaluation.
Head of the Department of Radiology, Dr. Saiqa, confirmed that ultrasound services at the hospital are available only until 4:00 PM.
"There are no ultrasound services available during night hours," she said.
Principal of Government Medical College Anantnag, Dr. Junaid, acknowledged the issue, attributing it to a shortage of radiologists at the institution.
"We have closed the USG room after 4 PM because of a shortage of doctors in GMC. I will look into the matter," he said.
Patients and their attendants said the lack of round-the-clock ultrasound facilities often forces critically ill patients, including pregnant women, to either wait until the following day for diagnostic imaging or seek expensive tests at private centres. They said the situation not only delays treatment but also places an additional financial burden on families.
Residents have urged the Health and Medical Education Department to address the shortage of specialists and ensure the availability of 24-hour ultrasound services at the hospital. They stressed that emergency healthcare cannot function effectively without timely access to essential diagnostic imaging.
The concern is particularly significant as MCCH Anantnag serves as the primary referral maternity hospital for South Kashmir, where emergency obstetric cases frequently require immediate ultrasound examinations to support timely clinical decision-making.
