MRI and Flow Cytometry machines which are used to diagnose cancer among children have been out of order in the Children Hospital for years. According to sources, the MRI machine had been dysfunctional for one and a half years and patients had to undergo tests at private hospitals which charged around Rs. 10,000-15,000 per test. Over 10 patients visited the hospital every day for the test but had to return in disappointment.
According to a doctor at the hospital, the test would normally cost Rs. 17,000 to Rs 22,000 at private hospitals which was beyond the reach of the poor and needy patients.
When contacted, hospital officials said they had written many times to the Punjab Health Department to repair the machines but to no avail.
