Ultrasound examinations at Almora’s medical college have been suspended until 17 October, creating an additional burden for patients who now need to travel to the district hospital for the service.
The temporary disruption follows the leave of the medical college’s only radiologist, according to the administration. The facility normally conducts around 35 to 45 ultrasound examinations each day.
Pressure on district hospital
The district hospital is located 5 km from the medical college. It already has one radiologist and performs 40 to 50 ultrasound examinations daily.
Because of this existing workload, patients are reportedly being given appointments 5 days to a week after their visit. The suspension at the medical college could therefore increase pressure on the district hospital and lengthen waiting times further.
Outpatient patients and pregnant women may face particular difficulty because of the additional demand and the need to travel between facilities. Local residents have asked the health department to expand ultrasound services in the hospitals.
Service expected to resume after leave
Dr D.C. Punera, medical superintendent of Almora Medical College, said the ultrasound service had been stopped for a few days because the radiologist was on leave. He said normal operations would resume after the radiologist returns.
Until then, patients requiring ultrasound examinations will need to approach the district hospital and follow its available appointment schedule. The situation places both facilities under pressure, with the district hospital already handling a substantial daily caseload.
Conclusion
Ultrasound services at Almora Medical College remain unavailable until 17 October, while patients are being directed to the busy district hospital 5 km away. The service is expected to resume after the radiologist returns from leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why have ultrasound tests stopped at Almora Medical College?
The medical college’s only radiologist is on leave, so ultrasound examinations have been temporarily suspended.
Q. How long will the service remain unavailable?
The medical college’s ultrasound service will remain suspended until 17 October.
Q. Where can patients go for an ultrasound examination?
Patients can go to the district hospital, which is 5 km from the medical college.
Q. How many ultrasound examinations does the medical college usually conduct?
The medical college normally conducts around 35 to 45 ultrasound examinations each day.
Q. What is the current workload at the district hospital?
The district hospital conducts 40 to 50 ultrasound examinations daily and has one radiologist.
Q. How long may patients wait at the district hospital?
Patients are being given appointments from 5 days to a week after their visit.
Q. When is the medical college service expected to restart?
The service is expected to return to normal after the radiologist comes back from leave.
