Stephen Hwande, the chief medical director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), says a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and two dialysis machines acquired by the hospital are not working.

He disclosed this on Wednesday when members of the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health visited the hospital

for oversight function.

He said the MRI machine launched in March is not working, together with the two dialysis machines acquired for the isolation unit. The MRI machine produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.

Mr Hwande, however, added that since the contractor installed the MRI machine and a test run was conducted, it was not used on any patient

afterwards, as it developed serious issues.

He said it was later discovered that the machine supplied was not new as contained in the contract document and that the two dialysis machines acquired by the hospital for the isolation unit were not good for human use, but that the machines were beyond repairs.

Mr Hwande said, “The MRI machine alone, if functional, can solve close to 70 per cent of radiological dialysis. What is shocking is that this machine was commissioned in March this year.

“The MRI is there; it is not working and has not worked on any Benue patient. Also, the two dialysis machines supplied to the isolation

unit are not safe for human use. They have never been used and are beyond repairs.”

The chief medical director said the management had already commenced recovering hospital properties in the wrong hands.

The committee chairman, Thomas Dugeri, said the committee was aware of the level of decay at the hospital and that the committee would invite the immediate past CMD, the commissioner for health and human services, the then-permanent secretary, the director of procurement and supply and other persons connected to the contract of the machines.

Mr Dugeri added that the committee would do everything possible to support the hospital. He, however, expressed shock over the destruction of expired drugs and consumables worth over N200 million by the hospital last week, saying those who allowed the drugs to expire would be sanctioned.

The legislator said the committee would investigate how the drugs came into the hospital and why they were allowed to expire. He said the hospital must be sensitised and areas that needed urgent strengthening be given prompt attention for improved and affordable healthcare to the people.

(NAN)