The X-ray and the electrocardiogram (ECG) machines at Gaurigunj Primary Health Centre in Jhapa have fallen into disuse because the centre’s staff do not know how to operate them.

Dharmanath Sah, the centre’s chief, said the District Public Health Office (DPHO) had not assigned technicians to the centre to operate the machines.

The X-ray machine was purchased with the funds provided by the VDC offices of Gauriganj and Khajurgachhi four years ago, while the ECG machine was provided by the Ministry of Health and Population.

The patients who need X-ray and ECG services are referred to Damak, said Dr Amlesh Kumar Sah. 

Around 50 patients visit the centre daily for treatment. DPHO Chief Madhusudhan Koirala said he was unaware about the centre’s problem and assured to look into the matter.