PCR machine, 8 ventilators lying unused for 10 months in Sirajganj
The medical college authorities have sought a new PCR machine from the Directorate General of Health Services though the previous machine and ventilators bought eight months ago remained unpacked, said project director Krishna Kumar Paul
A PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machine, used to detect coronavirus infections and other complicated diseases, and eight ventilators are lying packed at Shaheed M Monsur Ali Medical College in Sirajganj, when the country is struggling to tackle the coronavirus outbreak with its limited resources.
The medical college authorities have sought a new PCR machine from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) though the previous machine and ventilators bought eight months ago remained unpacked, said project director Krishna Kumar Paul.
Last year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in purchasing the medical equipment for the medical college at a cost of nearly Tk 2.50 billion.
The ACC is yet to conclude its probe but it has no objection to using the PCR machines and ventilators, Krishna Kumar Paul said quoting the ACC investigation officer.
Principal of the college Nazrul Islam said the PCR machine was bought under a specific project and it would require fresh approval to use that because of the ACC lawsuit
The ventilators, lifesaving equipment for COVID-19 patients, could be made ready for use by just setting up oxygen plant and air machine, he said.
Principal of the college Nazrul Islam said the PCR machine was bought under a specific project and it would require fresh approval to use that because of the ACC lawsuit.
“The process to have a fresh approval is complicated. So, we appealed for a new PCR machine on 26 April,” he added.
Besides, five ventilators allocated to Bongamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib 250-bed General Hospital two years back are still lying unused.
Hospital’s managing committee chairman Habib-e-Millat Munna said expensive medical equipment, including PCR machine and ventilators, are lying abandoned at different hospitals as they were supplied in an unplanned way.
“On Tuesday, we’ve urged the DGHS to take steps to use the unused PCR machine and ventilators immediately,” he said.