Satna, More than 500 patients visit the Satna District Hospital daily, and over 400 remain admitted; however, the facility's infrastructure falls short when it comes to performing sonographies. While doctors prescribe the test as needed, patients are often forced to rely on private centers.

This critical deficiency exists despite the hospital serving as a major healthcare hub for patients from across the division—including the Satna and Maihar districts—who come here seeking quality treatment.

**Waiting periods stretch up to two months**

Regular sonography is crucial for pregnant women. Dozens of pregnant and postpartum women are admitted to the district hospital daily, while hundreds more visit for check-ups. Yet, only a single sonography machine is available for all of them. On average, more than 10 sonographies are performed daily at the Charak unit, most of which involve obstetric emergencies. Unless the case is critical, women are given appointments for future dates. The waiting list is so long that many women receive appointments scheduled two months in advance. Consequently, many are compelled to seek sonography services at private centers, incurring costs ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000.