Pregnant women in Mandya district are experiencing delays of up to a week for ultrasound scans at taluk government hospitals, as a critical shortage of radiologists forces services to operate on a rotational basis.
Only three radiologists for six taluk hospitals
The district currently has just three radiologists serving six taluk hospitals, leading to limited scanning schedules and prolonged waiting periods for patients. Although the government supplied ultrasound machines to all taluk hospitals several years ago, radiologists were not appointed at that time, leaving doctors unable to provide the service. Three radiologists were appointed two months ago, but the shortage continues to hamper service delivery.
Impact on pregnant women
Pregnant women typically require at least two scans during the ninth month of pregnancy. Due to the restricted availability of specialists at government facilities, many are being compelled to approach private diagnostic centres, which increases their financial burden.
Non-functional machines in several taluks
At KR Pet Public Hospital, an ultrasound machine installed in 2016 remains non-functional as no radiologist has been posted there. Similarly, machines supplied in 2017 to hospitals in Maddur, Nagamangala, and Pandavapura were never made operational for the same reason. New machines were provided to Malavalli Public Hospital in 2022 and to Srirangapatna Government Hospital on April 10 this year, but staffing shortages have continued to limit their utilisation. While all six taluks have ultrasound machines, inadequate personnel has prevented their effective use.
Rotational service by radiologists
Currently, radiologists posted at Nagamangala, Srirangapatna, and Malavalli taluk hospitals serve multiple locations on rotation. The Srirangapatna radiologist visits Pandavapura twice a week, the Malavalli radiologist travels to Maddur, and the Nagamangala radiologist visits KR Pet, where the ultrasound machine is yet to become functional. Due to heavy patient load and limited availability, women report waiting five to seven days to get a scan.
Official response
District health officer Dr Mohan told TOI that ultrasound facilities are operational in five taluks, except KR Pet. 'Three radiologists are providing services across the district on a rotational basis,' he said.
