The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) is expected to resume Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test from next month. The hospital is in process of upgrading its only MRI machine and could not provide the services for the last three months.
The MRI is a safe and painless test that uses radio waves, powerful magnets and a computer to create detailed pictures inside the body.
“The machine is about 12 years old and most of the high-end medical equipment they have a life of around five to eight years. Because of it, there is a danger that it could do some harm to the patients,” Dr Gosar Pemba, the Medical Superintendent of JDWNRH, said.
The government has provided about Nu 40 M to upgrade the MRI machine.
“A new model comes up after every five years. But procuring a brand new machine is going cost around Nu 60 t0 70 M. So we decide to upgrade the machine, which we can use for another 8 t0 10 years,” Dr Gosar Pemba said.
Meanwhile, in absence of MRI service, the hospital has been sending patients to Siliguri in India for the tests with financial support from the government. Till now, around 15 patients were referred to India.
