3 major BMC hospitals need 118 technicians in radiology dept

The three major BMC hospitals in Mumbai, namely KEM, Nair and Sion hospitals, are always filled with patients not only from the city but across the state. However, these hospitals lack technicians in its Radiology department, which conducts X-Rays, CT Scans and MRI of patients. DNA has learnt that the three hospitals’ Radiology department has asked for 118 technicians. However, the BMC administration is yet to fill the vacant posts. 

DNA had reported on Tuesday that the MRI room where 32-year-old Rajesh Maru died after being sucked into the MRI machine, had no technician present when the mishap took place. Dr Avinash Supe, Director of major BMC hospitals, said, “We have posts of technicians vacant in all three major hospitals. We also do not have dedicated technicians for MRI section. However, we train the technicians of X-Ray and CT scan for MRI”.

As per information available with DNA, KEM hospital needs six technicians for MRI and three for CT Scan, Nair hospital needs seven technicians for MRI and two for CT Scan while Sion hospital needs three technicians each for MRI and CT Scan sections. 

“The process of hiring the technicians is going on. But the administrative process is long which delays appointments”, Dr Supe said. 

Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta said, “We will hire technicians wherever required. We will also consider if to transfer the technicians from peripheral BMC hospitals if they have additional ones”. 

The Hindustan Mazdoor Sangh, who represents civic employees, wrote to the BMC chief on Tuesday, demanding to fill up the posts of technicians in the hospitals. “Major BMC hospitals conduct 30 to 35 MRI and around 80 CT scans every day. The load on the present staff is too much, be it 1ward boy, assistant or technician, they look after more than one section. If the hospital has sent letters requesting technicians, it is the civic administration’s lethargy in appointments. Thus, we demand the commissioner to appoint technicians at the earliest”, said Dr Sanjay Kamble, General Secretary of the Sangh.