Key machine not functioning for 16 months

New Delhi: An NGO has written to the health ministry complaining that the lone Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) machine is non-functional in AIIMS for the last 16 months. The NGO has written that the patients are at health risk and this is causing the patients of port-wine stain (PWS) to undergo undue delay and further health risks. The machine is used to treat patients of PWS.

The letter written by the Social Jurist says, “This is to bring to your notice that over 50, patients currently seeking treatment in AIIMS, are suffering painful delay due to the non-functioning of the Pulsed Dye Laser machine in the skin treatment department of AIIMS. It has come to our notice that this machine is not working for the past 16 months and this is causing the patients of port-wine stain to undergo undue delay and further health risks.” 

PWS varies from light pink to deep purple and is caused by an overabundance of capillaries just beneath the surface of the skin. The marks can be minimal to extensive, covering 50 per cent or more of the body. If left untreated, a PWS can thicken and become nodular, leading to complications including bleeding. A stain in the facial area, if left untreated can cause visual impairment. Other health issues of non-treatment of the said disease are seizures, developmental delays, glaucoma, paralysis, migraines, tissue overgrowth, endocrine issues etc.  Delay in the treatment of these patients is putting them under the risk of contracting the aforementioned health conditions. 

The letter further said, “AIIMS being a premier centre for health care, is looked up to and is entrusted by the patients. The treatment is affordable to the masses and hence people bank on AIIMS. These patients are deprived of their right to healthcare by not getting the appropriate treatment from AIIMS.”