Adilabad RIMS ₹6.48 crore cathlab lies unused, warranty expires, patients forced to go elsewhere
HYDERABAD: A ₹6.48 crore cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cathlab) at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad has remained unused for five years, even as its warranty period has lapsed, raising concerns over public healthcare delivery in the district.
The cathlab, installed in 2021, has not been used to treat a single cardiac patient so far. The initial five-year warranty, which began from the date of delivery in October 2018, has now expired, leaving the hospital unable to utilise the equipment without incurring additional costs, as reported by DC.
Hospital authorities are learnt to have approached the supplier seeking restoration of the warranty, arguing that the machine remains unused and effectively new. However, the company has reportedly declined, citing binding tender conditions.
Delays in infrastructure, staffing stalled operationalisation
Sources said the equipment was delivered on schedule in 2018 as per timelines set by HLL Infra Tech Services Ltd (HITES), a Mini Ratna under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. However, installation was delayed due to incomplete site preparation and electrical works at the hospital.
The cathlab was eventually installed in 2021. But RIMS could not take formal handover as it did not have a full-time cardiologist until late 2025. A qualified specialist is required to inspect and operationalise such equipment.
By the time staffing issues were resolved, the warranty period had already expired.
Patients diverted despite daily demand for cardiac care
According to sources, the hospital receives one or two patients daily who require advanced cardiac interventions such as angiograms or angioplasty. In the absence of a functional cathlab, these patients are referred to private hospitals in Adilabad or neighbouring Nirmal.
Many of those seeking treatment are from economically weaker sections and depend on Aarogyasri health coverage. Private procedures often remain unaffordable despite the scheme.
“For such patients, the only option is to travel to government hospitals in Hyderabad, which can be risky in emergency situations,” sources said.
Fresh maintenance contract may cost ₹26 lakh
With the hospital now exploring options to operationalise the cathlab, it faces an additional financial burden. Sources indicated that a new annual maintenance contract could cost around ₹26 lakh.
The supplier has maintained that warranty terms cannot be altered retrospectively and that delays on the hospital’s part led to the current situation.
