In a troubling case highlighting systemic inefficiencies, a 22-year-old patient from Rajasthan has sought the intervention of the Union Health Ministry after waiting over two months for a crucial medical report from Chandigarh’s Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI). The patient, Muskan, is battling a life-threatening fungal infection of the lung and requires her test results to adjust her medication dosage.
Delay in Vital Test Report
Muskan’s ordeal began on April 25 when she was instructed by the pulmonary medicine department at PGI to undergo an itraconazole level test. Despite her urgent medical needs, the test report has been repeatedly delayed due to a series of complications. Initially, Muskan was informed that her sample had to be discarded because it was spoiled during testing. When a new sample was taken, the report was later declared untraceable. Most recently, PGI officials cited a malfunctioning machine as the cause for the delay.
Health Risks and Inconveniences
The delay in receiving the test report has placed Muskan’s health at significant risk. “The private doctors here have said that if the itraconazole levels are high, it can affect her lungs. We are worried,” said Muskan’s mother. Without the test results, Muskan’s medication dosage cannot be accurately determined, which could have severe repercussions for her treatment.
The prolonged wait and lack of communication have also caused logistical challenges for Muskan and her family. “Our report was not shared online or emailed. It is not convenient to travel from Rajasthan only to get the report and again come for OPD consultation,” Muskan’s mother added. The family’s frustration has led them to file a formal complaint with the PGI director and the Union Health Minister.
PGI’s Response PGI officials have started collecting details about the case following the complaint. As of now, they have yet to provide a satisfactory explanation or resolution for the delay. The situation remains unresolved, and the family awaits a response from the health authorities.
