SRINAGAR: Patients visiting Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, are reportedly facing severe inconvenience due to the non-availability of X-ray films, forcing many to rely on mobile phones to access their diagnostic images despite paying prescribed charges for radiological services.
According to patients and attendants, those visiting the X-ray section in the ward block and emergency department are being asked to carry camera-enabled smartphones to capture or access their X-ray images, as physical films are unavailable. The situation has particularly affected elderly patients and those from far-flung rural areas who either do not own smartphones or are unable to operate them.
Sources within the X-ray department alleged that the shortage of films has persisted for the past four months, leaving patients and attendants to fend for themselves. They claimed that despite the prolonged shortage, no adequate alternative arrangements have been made to ensure hassle-free access to radiological investigations.
Attendants questioned how patients are expected to show X-ray images stored on personal mobile phones to doctors during consultations after paying fees for diagnostic services. They argued that forcing patients to arrange smartphones to access their X-rays places an unfair burden on them and undermines patient care.
A patient from Ganderbal alleged that he had to return home without obtaining his X-ray after travelling a long distance to the tertiary care hospital because films were unavailable.
Attendants further claimed that a notice reading “Films Not Available” has been pasted at the X-ray section near the ward block, informing patients about the shortage. The development has raised concerns regarding patient convenience and the quality of healthcare services at one of Kashmir’s premier medical institutions.
“When patients are paying for X-ray services, why should they be forced to depend on their personal mobile phones to access and show the images to doctors?” questioned an attendant.
When contacted, the Director of SKIMS Soura said he was not aware of the issue and assured that the matter would be looked into.
The reported shortage has once again highlighted the difficulties faced by patients, particularly senior citizens and residents of remote areas, in accessing essential healthcare services in Kashmir.
