District Hospital Put Off High-Resolution CT Scan Centre for Fourth Time in Coimbatore

District hospital put off the long-awaited opening of the 16-slice CT scan centre once again at the Coimbatore district headquarters hospital in Pollachi, creating continued difficulties for patients who depend on government healthcare services. Despite the facility being fully installed and ready for use, the inauguration has been postponed for the fourth consecutive time, raising concerns among hospital staff and healthcare advocates.

The CT scan facility was installed by mid-2025 at a cost of Rs 2.17 crore, funded by the health department. Hospital sources said the inauguration was initially scheduled to take place in the presence of senior government officials, including the Chief Minister, but was postponed at the last minute due to administrative reasons. Each delay has directly affected patients who require timely and accurate diagnostic imaging.

Staff members at the district headquarters hospital said the repeated postponements have forced patients to seek CT scan services elsewhere. Many patients either travel to private hospitals, where costs are significantly higher, or to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, which is often overcrowded. For patients from rural and semi-urban areas around Pollachi, these alternatives involve both financial burden and travel difficulties.

The Pollachi Government Hospital, located about 40 kilometres away, currently operates a 4-slice CT scan machine. This facility functions only during daytime hours and is managed by limited staff, including one radiographer and a doctor. While the existing scanner helps meet basic imaging needs, it is not sufficient for advanced diagnostic requirements.

District hospital put off upgrade that could ease patient burden

Medical professionals explained that a 16-slice CT scanner offers major advantages over older 4-slice machines. It provides faster scanning, clearer images, and better detection of internal injuries, vascular problems, and subtle tissue abnormalities. These scanners also reduce radiation exposure while allowing more detailed imaging, making them especially useful in emergency cases.

At present, patients who need high-resolution scans are often referred to private diagnostic centres, where the cost can start at Rs 3,000 or more. This is a heavy expense for low-income families who rely on government hospitals for affordable care. Some patients also travel to government medical college hospitals, which increases waiting time and delays diagnosis.

The CT scan facility at the Pollachi Government Hospital is managed by the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation. Patients are charged Rs 500 for a regular CT scan and an additional Rs 300 for contrast scans. The service is provided free of cost for patients covered under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme and for a limited number of doctor-referred cases.

Hospital records indicate that around 1,000 patients use the CT scan facility at Pollachi GH every month, with an average of 30 to 40 patients per day. Apart from in-house patients, many people from nearby areas also depend on this service. However, the limited capacity and restricted operating hours prevent it from fully meeting the region’s diagnostic needs. Also Read: Tribal Dept to Team Up With Global Chess Body to Reshape Learning in Schools in 2026

Healthcare committee members have pointed out that even the existing CT scan services require strengthening. They have urged authorities to appoint additional staff, including radiographers, doctors, and data entry operators. Without adequate manpower, the facility cannot operate round the clock, which is crucial for handling emergencies such as accidents, strokes, and trauma cases.

District hospital put off service expansion despite demand

Officials from the health department said the 16-slice CT scan centre will be inaugurated during the next phase of health-sector project launches. They added that efforts are being made to make the facility available to the public as early as possible. However, no specific date has been announced so far.

The repeated postponement has led to frustration among patients and healthcare workers alike. Many believe that delaying the launch of a ready-to-use facility undermines public healthcare access, especially in districts where advanced diagnostic services are limited.

Conclusion

District hospital put off the opening of a fully equipped CT scan centre once again, leaving patients dependent on costly or distant alternatives. Until the facility becomes operational, timely diagnosis and affordable imaging will remain a challenge for many in and around Pollachi.