Ludhiana: In a move that was supposed to help residents undergo basic health tests under a single roof, the Ludhiana municipal corporation’s health ATM machine at its chest clinic near Midha Chowk has caused more trouble for residents than providing relief.
Installed a few months back, the machine could not be utilised properly. A machine which operates only in cooler temperatures has been installed at a health centre that does not have an air conditioner (AC). In such a scenario, often test results are found inaccurate.
The officials said the proposal to get an air conditioner for the chest clinic is pending at a higher level.
Initially only one machine was installed, and officials had plans to introduce more such high-end equipment in the city based on its results.
The officials had claimed that this machine could be used to conduct basic tests, including that of dengue, at very nominal charges. They had even received the strips needed to conduct tests, but these could not be used for the purpose.
The civic authorities had got a machine under CSR activities. At first, even the required material for testing was also provided by the donor firm. The officials claimed that at MC level, buying testing material seems costly. And in the absence of testing material, the machine will also go waste.
The MC had plans to set up these ATMs in its chest clinics and mobile Covid testing van, currently lying unused in the MC workshop now.
The officials had claimed that the health equipment is like an ATM machine where people will have to log in and fill some basic information to get health tests done. Tests included general body check-up, cardiac check-ups, diabetes, haemoglobin and rapid diagnostic tests.
A senior MC official claimed that a medical camp was organised to examine Class IV employees of the civic body and they used to the health ATM to get the tests done. But the results were not accurate. He said they have requested the authorities to sanction an air conditioner for the building so that they could bring machine to its use.
Plastic reverse vending machines find few takers
The civic body had recently installed some plastic reverse vending machines at various sites, but these have hardly been used in the absence of awareness and poor site locations.
We also published the following articles recently
Installed a few months back, the machine could not be utilised properly. A machine which operates only in cooler temperatures has been installed at a health centre that does not have an air conditioner (AC). In such a scenario, often test results are found inaccurate.
The officials said the proposal to get an air conditioner for the chest clinic is pending at a higher level.
Initially only one machine was installed, and officials had plans to introduce more such high-end equipment in the city based on its results.
The officials had claimed that this machine could be used to conduct basic tests, including that of dengue, at very nominal charges. They had even received the strips needed to conduct tests, but these could not be used for the purpose.
The civic authorities had got a machine under CSR activities. At first, even the required material for testing was also provided by the donor firm. The officials claimed that at MC level, buying testing material seems costly. And in the absence of testing material, the machine will also go waste.
The MC had plans to set up these ATMs in its chest clinics and mobile Covid testing van, currently lying unused in the MC workshop now.
The officials had claimed that the health equipment is like an ATM machine where people will have to log in and fill some basic information to get health tests done. Tests included general body check-up, cardiac check-ups, diabetes, haemoglobin and rapid diagnostic tests.
A senior MC official claimed that a medical camp was organised to examine Class IV employees of the civic body and they used to the health ATM to get the tests done. But the results were not accurate. He said they have requested the authorities to sanction an air conditioner for the building so that they could bring machine to its use.
Plastic reverse vending machines find few takers
The civic body had recently installed some plastic reverse vending machines at various sites, but these have hardly been used in the absence of awareness and poor site locations.
We also published the following articles recently
ATMs that perform health checks opened
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the first health ATM in Karnataka during the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav in Kalaburagi. The automated machines, donated by HP Enterprises, can screen individuals for up to 50 health parameters. The touch screen kiosks allow individuals to access their personal health information at any time. HP Enterprises plans to set up similar ATMs in major cities across Karnataka if the kiosks prove successful.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the first health ATM in Karnataka during the Kalyana Karnataka Utsav in Kalaburagi. The automated machines, donated by HP Enterprises, can screen individuals for up to 50 health parameters. The touch screen kiosks allow individuals to access their personal health information at any time. HP Enterprises plans to set up similar ATMs in major cities across Karnataka if the kiosks prove successful.
Miscreants cut ATM machine, loot over 18L
An ATM in Tirupati was looted by miscreants who managed to cut open the machine’s door and steal 18.26 lakh. The theft was discovered when a person went to the ATM and found the door cut open. CCTV footage showed a vehicle stopping outside the ATM and the criminals spraying the camera with black paint. The gang, suspected to be from Haryana, left within 15 minutes. Police are investigating the incident and have set up check-posts at toll gates on national highways.
An ATM in Tirupati was looted by miscreants who managed to cut open the machine’s door and steal 18.26 lakh. The theft was discovered when a person went to the ATM and found the door cut open. CCTV footage showed a vehicle stopping outside the ATM and the criminals spraying the camera with black paint. The gang, suspected to be from Haryana, left within 15 minutes. Police are investigating the incident and have set up check-posts at toll gates on national highways.
Cloth bag-vending machines in 5 cities
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) plans to install cloth bag-vending machines in five major cities to combat single-use plastic pollution. The machines, which have already been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu, will be installed as a pilot project. The OSPCB will analyze the response and challenges faced by users before deciding on installing the machines in various public places across the state. Women self-help groups may be involved in stitching the cloth bags, providing them with a livelihood option. The vending machines will be placed in shopping malls and busy marketplaces.
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) plans to install cloth bag-vending machines in five major cities to combat single-use plastic pollution. The machines, which have already been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu, will be installed as a pilot project. The OSPCB will analyze the response and challenges faced by users before deciding on installing the machines in various public places across the state. Women self-help groups may be involved in stitching the cloth bags, providing them with a livelihood option. The vending machines will be placed in shopping malls and busy marketplaces.
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