X-ray, CT film shortage disrupts services at Lahore government hospitals

LAHORE: A shortage of X-ray and CT scan films at several government hospitals in Lahore is causing difficulties for patients who need printed diagnostic images for medical consultations, further investigations and treatment planning, with some reportedly being advised to photograph their scans using mobile phones.

The affected facilities reportedly include Services Hospital, Mayo Hospital and Punjab Dental Hospital, along with other government-run hospitals. Patients and their attendants have expressed concern over the unavailability of printed scan images, which can be important for reviewing findings, seeking specialist opinions and maintaining medical records.

The disruption has raised questions about the procurement and availability of essential diagnostic materials in public-sector hospitals, where patients depend on timely investigations to support decisions about their treatment.

Patients turn to mobile phones as printed films run short

In some cases, patients have reportedly been advised to use their mobile phones to photograph scan images because printed films are unavailable.

Although a photograph may provide a temporary visual reference, it is not an adequate substitute for a properly produced diagnostic image. Image quality, resolution, viewing conditions and the ability to access the original study can affect how effectively clinicians review findings.

Patients may also need their diagnostic images for follow-up appointments, consultations with specialists or assessment at another healthcare facility. The absence of printed films can therefore create additional inconvenience, particularly for people who must travel between hospitals or arrange further medical care.

The extent of the disruption, including the number of patients affected and whether diagnostic examinations themselves have been delayed, was not specified in the available information.

Exchange-rate fluctuations cited in supply disruption

Hospital sources have attributed the shortage to fluctuations in the US dollar’s exchange rate, which they say have affected contractors’ ability or willingness to supply films at previously agreed prices.

According to the sources, a gap has emerged between the prices quoted during the tender process and subsequent costs. The reported difference has affected the supply of X-ray and CT scan films to government hospitals.

The available information does not identify the contractors involved, specify the value of the disputed contracts or establish how much the cost of the materials has changed. It also does not clarify whether procurement terms, payment delays or other supply-related factors have contributed to the disruption.

The reported situation illustrates how changes in the cost of imported or exchange-rate-sensitive materials can create challenges for public-sector procurement when agreed prices no longer reflect suppliers’ costs. However, the precise contractual and financial circumstances behind the current shortage have not been independently established.

Why access to diagnostic images matters

X-rays and CT scans help clinicians investigate a wide range of medical conditions and injuries. Their images may be used alongside clinical examinations, radiology reports, laboratory results and other findings to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.

When printed films are unavailable, the impact depends partly on whether hospitals can provide the images through other reliable means, such as access to the original digital study or a secure electronic image-sharing system.

A photograph taken with a mobile phone may not preserve the image quality or viewing detail required for every clinical purpose. Patients should follow their treating clinicians’ instructions about how diagnostic images should be stored, shared and reviewed.

The reported shortage also highlights the importance of ensuring that patients can access their medical information when they need it, including during referrals, follow-up visits and consultations with different specialists.

Hospital administrations await restoration of supplies

Hospital administrations have reportedly said that the provision of printed scans will resume once supplies are restored.

However, no specific date for the restoration of supplies was provided in the available information. It also remains unclear whether emergency cases, routine investigations and follow-up patients are being affected to the same extent across the reported facilities.

Further clarification from the relevant hospital administrations and Punjab health authorities would help establish the scale of the shortage, the status of pending supplies and the measures being taken to prevent further disruption.

The situation underscores the importance of timely procurement, realistic tender pricing and reliable supply arrangements for essential diagnostic materials. For patients, the immediate concern is access to usable diagnostic images without unnecessary delays or additional hurdles in receiving care.

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