X-ray machine lies defunct in Odisha hospital; patients forced to travel miles

A grim picture of government healthcare in Odisha has emerged from the Bhadrak district headquarters hospital (DHH), where an X-ray machine has remained non-functional for over a month, leaving patients deprived of the essential diagnostic services and causing severe hardship, sources said on Wednesday.

Also Read: Hospital's audiometer lies defunct, patients face problem

Due to the breakdown, patients are being forced to travel four to five kilometres into Bhadrak town to get X-rays done at private facilities, spending thousands of rupees out of pocket. This has hit poor and vulnerable patients the hardest, many of whom depend entirely on government healthcare services.

The prolonged disruption has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among patients and local intellectual circles, who have questioned the hospital administration’s accountability and efficiency. Many local residents allege that despite repeated complaints, the issue has not been resolved in time.

“I had come for an X-ray, and the machine is defunct. Now I have to go out to get the diagnosis done. From where would I get the money against this extra expenditure?” a woman patient, Hasrat Biwi, stated to OTV when contacted.

Responding to the criticism, the in-charge medical officer of the hospital stated that steps are being taken and assured that the X-ray machine will be made operational very soon. However, patients continue to suffer as they wait for concrete action on the ground.

“The X-ray machine is now out of order. A spare part that was received does not help sort out the problem. Again, they (the supplier) have been informed. Let’s see how quickly they are repairing,” Bhadrak DHH medical officer, Sudhir Ranjan Nayak, said.

“We are hopeful that the repair will be carried out soon,” the medical officer added.