LUCKNOW Patients visiting King George’s Medical University (KGMU) are facing delays for ultrasound appointments, with wait times extending up to a month and a half. The backlog at the PRO office appointment counter is forcing many — including those in urgent need of diagnosis — to turn to expensive private diagnostic centres.
The delays are affecting patients across departments, including the new OPD and Queen Mary’s Hospital. Doctors advise ultrasound for diagnosis, after which patients have to queue up at the appointment counter at the PRO office. Patients alleged that dates being given currently are a month to one and a half months later. Despite consulting doctors at private hospitals in his district, he got no relief and was referred to KGMU. The crisis is not limited to outpatients. Families of admitted patients also report delays.
Lavkesh Kumar, 23, a resident of Masauli in Barabanki, visited the gastroenterology OPD on September 14 for persistent abdominal pain. The doctor advised an urgent ultrasound, but Kumar was given an appointment for October 22, a wait of 38 days. Waiting for 38 days is worrying,” he said. In another case, Meera Tiwari, 65, a resident of Kakori, consulted doctors at Queen Mary’s Hospital on September 14. After being advised an ultrasound, she was given a date of October 30, that is 46 days later.
“I am in unbearable abdominal pain and the doctor said the ultrasound was needed urgently. “The hospital administration is aware of the rush and steps are being taken to increase slots and deploy additional staff to ensure patients get timely appointments,” he added.
