THE only mammography machine at Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban Hospital (HTJS), Negri Sembilan’s largest hospital, has been out of order for nearly three months, with patients being told to get their screenings done at another public hospital further away.

A source confirmed the machine’s breakdown for the past three months but asked to remain anonymous.

A patient in her 50s, meanwhile, who asked to be known as Cik Noor, said she went to HTJS recently for her mammogram appointment but was told she could not continue with the screening as the machine was out of order.

She was instead given an appointment at Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital (HTAN) in Kuala Pilah, which is 40km away from HTJS.

“I will now have to travel further,” said Cik Noor, who hails from Nilai.

“The nearest public hospital for me is obviously HTJS. Does the biggest hospital in the state only have one mammography machine? Don’t they have any back-up?

“I’m not young but they expect me to travel to Kuala Pilah just for this. If it is in HTJS, I can take a train and then a taxi. Not Kuala Pilah. I’ll have to trouble my husband or son for their help,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

The source, who confirmed the machine’s breakdown, said it had been out of order “for months” and verified that patients are being sent to HTAN in Kuala Pilah instead.

However, while the mammography is done at HTAN, they have to return to HTJS for an ultrasound test, which is also part of the breast screening.

“Patients will be referred to HTAN just for the mammography. But as for the patient’s report and other tests, they will be done at HTJS.

“Once they complete the mammogram screening, the patient is sent back to HTJS for the ultrasound screening. Patients will be given another appointment at HTJS.

“So, as you can see, it is a hassle for the patients,” the source said.

Cik Noor, when asked about doing a mammography at a private healthcare facility, said she did not have the financial means for it.

The source said about 20 women a day seek a mammogram at the hospital.

The source could not say if HTJS had requested another mammography machine, as the matter is handled by the relevant heads of department and the hospital director.

The Malaysian Insight has contacted HTJS director Dr Zaleha Mohd Noor on the matter but has yet to receive a response. – July 12, 2022.