Desperate Pleas for a Functional X-ray Machine at Katsina Hospital

Desperate Pleas for a Functional X-ray Machine at Katsina Hospital

KATSINA, NIGERIA - In a heart-wrenching appeal, patients at **Turai Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital** in Katsina have urgently called on the state government to provide a functional X-ray machine. The equipment has been out of service for about five months, leaving countless patients in a dire situation.

A Cry for Help

Malam Bala Abubakar, one of the affected patients, shared his frustration: "About five months ago, I was here with a patient who required an X-ray, but we were told that the machine was faulty. We had to take him to the general hospital. A big government hospital like Turai, I can’t believe an X-ray machine will develop a problem and spend about five months without being fixed or replaced." His plea underscores the critical need for immediate action.

Government's Response

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Katsina State Hospital Management Service Board, Mohammed Kabir, acknowledged the issue and assured that efforts are underway to fix the machine. He mentioned that a technician has been booked and expressed hope that the problem will be resolved by the end of February. However, he also called on wealthy individuals, companies, organizations, NGOs, and other philanthropists to contribute to the solution.

Hajia Amina Balarabe, another patient, echoed the urgency of the situation: "The government should please provide and install a new X-ray machine or repair the one they already have." Her words reflect the desperation of many who have been affected by the malfunctioning equipment.

The Cost of Inaction

Hospital staff confirmed that the machine only needs repair and that it might not cost more than N3 million. Despite this, the machine has remained non-functional, highlighting a significant gap in healthcare infrastructure.

The community's plea for a functional X-ray machine is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in Nigeria. The situation at Turai Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital is a microcosm of the broader issues plaguing the healthcare system, where inadequate resources and delayed repairs can have life-threatening consequences.

As the state government and local authorities work to address the issue, the voices of the patients serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for functional healthcare equipment. The resolution of this issue will not only restore essential services at Turai Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital but also reinforce the commitment to providing quality healthcare to all residents of Katsina.