Patients in peril

The only operational Cath Lab at the Cardiology Department of Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) has remained out of order for the past five days.

The hospital has two Cath Labs, one of which has been non-functional since 2021. The other had been operational until September 17, when it stopped working, halting almost all Cath Lab-related services for cardiac patients.

Doctors at CMCH said the Cardiology Department admits 180 to 200 patients daily. On an average day, the Cath Lab carries out 12 to 14 angiograms and at least three Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) or stenting procedures. In addition, around two patients a day require temporary pacemaker installation.

All these services are now suspended.

The situation has put a financial burden on patients, as the cost of heart stenting or angiogram procedures is several times higher at private hospitals than the Tk 2,000 charged at CMCH, excluding essential medicines that patients must purchase separately.

Hospital sources said CMCH authorities have repeatedly appealed to the health ministry since 2021 for a new Cath Lab machine, but to no avail.

Dr Nur Uddin Tareq, head of the Cardiology Department, said, "We have already sent a letter to the supplier. The lone Cath Lab machine had become overburdened after the other stopped working, which is why it went out of order five days ago."

A critical pressure cartridge used for invasive blood pressure monitoring has failed, he said, adding that the machine's warranty runs until February 2027.

The department has written to the supplier, Dhaka-based Medi-Graphic Trading Limited, seeking repair. "The machine can still perform some emergency pacemaker installations, but not angiograms or stenting," he added.

During a visit to the cardiology ward, patients were seen suffering because of the crisis.

Aminul Islam, who came from Lohagara upazila, said his father had been admitted with chest pain for four days. "The doctors advised an angiogram, but they said it can't be done here now. It would cost about Tk 12,000 to Tk 15,000 at a private hospital, which would be difficult to arrange," he said.

CMCH Director Brig Gen Taslim Uddin said he had spoken to the supplier company regarding repairs. "They have assured me of sending a technician."

An engineer from the Medi-Graphic Trading Limited, requesting anonymity, said the pressure cartridge is a consumable item not covered under warranty. "The component is not that expensive, but the hospital authority is unwilling to buy it," the engineer added.