Despite the installation of ₹11.5 crore MRI scanner at Karaikal Government Hospital (GH) five months ago, the machine remains non-operational because of the absence of trained technicians.
Activists have urged the Puducherry government to take steps to make the facility functional, highlighting continued delays despite visits by multiple officials and Ministers.
According to official sources from Karaikal GH, the hospital administration had repeatedly raised the issue with the Puducherry government but was still awaiting the allotment of trained technicians. “We expect an appointment soon, but no confirmation has been given yet,” a senior medical official said.
The MRI scanner, installed in the last week of September 2024, was expected to eliminate the need for patients to travel to Puducherry, Nagapattinam, or Tiruvarur for scans. The modern equipment is designed to help diagnose brain, spine, joint injuries, and neurological conditions. However, without trained staff, patients continue to be referred to private hospitals, where they have to pay high fees for MRI scans.
The Karaikal People’s Struggle Group has raised concerns over the delay, urging the government to take immediate action. J. Suriya, group’s coordinator, said: “Despite the MRI scanner being installed five months ago, technicians have not been allotted. At least two technicians and two assistants are required to operate the machine, but not a single staff member has been appointed.”
At present, patients in Karaikal have no access to MRI scans at the government hospital and are forced to travel long distance or pay high costs at private hospitals. Hospital sources said that if the scanner becomes operational, it would be one of the most advanced in the region, surpassing facilities in Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Mayiladuthurai.
