Hospital says MRI machine not stolen

ABBOTTABAD: The management of Ayub Teaching Hospital on Saturday dismissed the propaganda about the theft of the MRI machine and termed it an attempt to damage the image of the hospital.

In a statement, the MRI machine weighed approximately 5,500 kg, making it nearly impossible to steal.

The MRI machine’s magnet failed five years ago with USD 1 million to replace.

In 2018, the administration opted for an upgrade policy of the manufacturer at a cost of USD 1.3 million. This decision resulted in a brand new one with the latest software, hardware and technology as per the norms of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.

The upgrade includes a 3-year warranty for the entire machine and a 5-year warranty for the magnet.

The regular cost of the old machine was about Rs22 million per annum while upgraded machine based on modern technology reduces the cost of running to zero and does not require helium.

The total cost of the upgrade was 230 million, which is significantly less than the market price of 700 to 800 million for a new machine of the same model.

These baseless allegations appear to be an attempt by some elements to tarnish the reputation of ATH.