Heart patients get hurt as CMCH dept limps

The angiogram machine of the cardiology department at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. PHOTO: STAR

Although two costly key machines -- pace maker and angiogram -- for heart treatment were installed in a span of four years time from 2000 to 2004, the department is yet to get a full-fledged shape adding of the misery of patients.

The coronary angiogram machine, procured at a cost Tk 5 crore in August in 2003, was installed at the cardiology department on May 19 the following year but for lack of some required manpower and ancillary instruments had delayed the operation of this vital service for four months. After having some manpower, the angiogram facility got into action on September 28 last year.

One Sayeed Noor, aged about 54 from Chandanaish, was the first man to avail the facility at the CMCH on that 'historic day' for the physicians of the cardiology department.

Now even after nine months, lack of an expert technician to operate the state-of -the-art machine has not only kept the physicians in frustration but also causes the sufferings of patients.

"We were so happy when the machine was installed and started operation here. That was really a historic moment for all of us. But for lack of regular technicians we couldn't give expected services to the patients," said Dr AKM Monzur Morshed, Head of Cardiology Department.

Another physician said the heart patients of Chittagong and adjoining districts would no more require travelling the capital or neighbouring countries if the machine could be make functional properly.

The pacemaker, procured at a cost of Tk 1.50 crore, was installed in 2000. After installation, it was on function for few months and afterward it has been out of order till date.

Lack of proper maintenance has brought this unexpected fate for the machine, for which heart patients are suffering greatly, sources said.

They said the authorities have not taken any initiative to make the costly and key machine functional yet.

The patients with critical diseases of the Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban depend on the services of CMCH, which is the lone hospital with required facilities in this vast region.