The Ayub Teaching Hospital administration strongly condemns the negative and baseless propaganda being spread on social media regarding the MRI machine at ATH. This false narrative has no basis in reality and we consider it necessary to clarify the facts.
The MRI machine was inoperative before the COVID-19 pandemic, making the claim that it was damaged during COVID-19 completely false.
The false claims of theft that the MRI machine was stolen are ridiculous. The machine weighs approximately 5,500 kilograms (5.5 tons), making it impossible to steal. Also, it would take at least 15 days to fully open the machine. Such claims are not only false but also ridiculous.
The magnet of the MRI machine was damaged five years ago, which cost 1 million USD to replace.
The management at the time in 2018 opted for the manufacturer’s upgrade policy at a cost of 1.3 million USD. This decision provided a brand new machine with the latest software, hardware and technology as per the norms of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (KPRA).
The upgrade includes a 3-year warranty for the entire machine and a 5-year warranty for the magnet.
The old machine consumed four dewars of helium annually, which cost about Rs 22 million per year. The upgraded machine based on modern technology does not require helium, reducing the cost of running the machine to zero.
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.
It is incomprehensible where the institution suffered losses in this process. We request the critics to explain their claims and substantiate the allegations with facts. These baseless allegations appear to be an attempt by some elements to tarnish the reputation of ATH.
No inquiry has been completed on this entire matter yet. Until a report is received, the reason for various propagandas is beyond comprehension.
The management of Ayub Teaching Hospital appeals to the public to ignore this baseless propaganda and assures everyone of its commitment to transparency and better services. We also request that the discussions on the forums be impartial to ensure a fair hearing of the facts.
We are dedicated to the continuous improvement of healthcare facilities at ATH with decisions taken in the best interest of the institution and the public.
