State orders probe into JJ hospital dept

MUMBAI, May 30: The Sena-BJP government in the State today ordered a high-level inquiry into the functioning of the radiology department of the JJ Hospital. This follows a report in the May 28 edition of The Indian Express which pointed out that a sitting judge of the Bombay High Court was not given MRI film after his examination though he had paid full fees of Rs 2600.

“Since the Honourable judge was not given the MRI film after his examination, it was a very serious lapse. I am personally conducting an inquiry into the whole episode,” Medical Education Secretary TC Benjamin said. Director of Medical Education and Research V L Deshpande visited the department of radiology, Benjamin added. Admitting that there is a shortage of MRI films, Benjamin felt that the officials on duty should have specifically informed not only the judge, but to other patients also. “For more effective and round the clock service, we have created additional posts of x-ray technicians and dark room assistants to help the medicalstaff,” Benjamin said, adding, he would personally monitor the functioning of the CT and MRI equipment.

After a two-year delay in installing the Rs 12 crore equipment, the govt-run JJ group faces acute shortage of MRI films. Also the radiology department is facing an acute shortage of staff.

There is only one full time lecturer for the department. “On occasions even that lecturer is also not on duty resulting in hardship to the patients,” a senior official said.