Patients at Goalanda উপজেলা Health Complex in Rajbari are facing disrupted care after its X-ray machine remained out of service for about a year and a half. The 50-bed facility receives an average of more than 400 patients daily, hospital sources said. The machine has been completely unusable since March 25 last year.

The Japanese-made Ekoma-100 analog X-ray machine was installed in 1985. Although it initially operated, it later suffered repeated mechanical faults and was kept running through repairs. The medical technologist (radiology) post has also been vacant since the same period, leaving X-ray services closed.

Patients needing tests advised by doctors must visit private clinics and diagnostic centres, resulting in added expense and hardship, according to affected patients. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Maruf Hasan said the complex has no modern digital X-ray machine, while the older unit is unusable. He said higher authorities have been informed and efforts are underway to take necessary action.