Mysuru: The shortage of radiologists at the state-run Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) has severely impacted diagnostic services, disrupting patient care in Chamarajanagar district for nearly two months.Pregnant women admitted to the maternity ward and children receiving treatment at CIMS have been among the worst affected, as ultrasound scan services remain unavailable due to the absence of a radiologist.Poor patients, trauma victims, stroke patients and others requiring critical medical intervention are facing delays in diagnosis and treatment. The shortage has not only affected timely diagnosis but has also forced the hospital to postpone several surgeries.Following the transfer of a radiologist, the government is yet to fill the vacant post, leaving patients in a difficult situation at CIMS.Hospital authorities are referring emergency cases and other patients to private diagnostic centres where radiologists are available. Patients must undergo ultrasound, CT and MRI scans at these centres and bring back the reports before treatment can begin. For many poor patients, particularly daily-wage workers, undergoing these tests has become a financial burden.We have approached the state govt to sanction a permanent radiologist post, said CIMS dean and director Dr Revathi. “The previous radiologist was on deputation from the department of health and family welfare, and the vacancy has remained unfilled since the transfer,” Dr Revathi said.Although CIMS issued a notification to appoint a radiologist on an outsourced basis, it has not received any applications. Dr Revathi said radiology is among the most sought-after medical specialisations, and many radiologists prefer private hospitals and diagnostic centres because of better pay and comparatively lower workloads.Chamarajanagar Soliga Tribal Welfare Association vice-president M Mahadeva urged the govt to appoint radiologists to CIMS at the earliest, stating that pregnant women and economically weaker patients have been suffering for months due to the shortage.
