MRI services suspended at Care Plus Diagnostic Centre Anantnag over safety violations
Anantnag, March 30, KNT: The Office of the Chief Medical Officer Anantnag on Monday ordered the immediate suspension of MRI services at Care Plus Diagnostic Centre following findings of misrepresentation and non-compliance with patient safety standards.
The action follows a complaint alleging discrepancies in the MRI diagnostic facilities offered by the centre, which prompted an inspection by a designated team to assess compliance with prescribed radiological and safety norms.
According to the order issued by Chief Medical Officer Dr Khalid Parvez, the inspection established that the MRI system in use at the facility was a 1.5 Tesla unit, contrary to the representation made to patients of a 3 Tesla MRI system.
The discrepancy was verified through manufacturer badges affixed on the machine and related materials, the order said, terming it a case of material misrepresentation.
The inspection team also found deficiencies in emergency preparedness at the facility.
The centre lacked essential emergency resuscitation equipment, including an AMBU bag (bag-valve mask), and no qualified anaesthetist was available at the time of inspection, raising concerns over patient safety.
The order noted that these lapses constitute violations of prescribed clinical protocols and compromise the safety of patients undergoing diagnostic procedures.
“In the interest of patient care, MRI services at the facility are hereby suspended with immediate effect,” the order stated.
The diagnostic centre has been directed to cease all MRI-related procedures until further orders.
It warned that any violation of the directive would invite strict legal and penal action under applicable laws.
The order stated that the decision has been taken in the larger public interest to safeguard patient safety and uphold clinical standards.
Regulation of diagnostic facilities in Jammu and Kashmir includes periodic inspections to ensure compliance with safety norms and accuracy in service claims.
Misrepresentation of medical equipment and lack of emergency preparedness are treated as serious violations under healthcare regulations. [KNT]
