LUCKNOW, Sept. 17 -- Patients visiting King George's Medical University (KGMU) are facing delays for ultrasound appointments, with wait times extending up to a month and a half. The backlog at the PRO office appointment counter is forcing many to turn to expensive private diagnostic centres. The delays are affecting patients across departments, including the new OPD and Queen Mary's Hospital. Doctors advise ultrasound for diagnosis, after which patients have to queue up at the appointment counter at the PRO office. Lavkesh Kumar, 23, a resident of Masauli in Barabanki, visited the gastroenterology OPD on September 14 for abdominal pain. Despite consulting doctors at private hospitals in his district, he got no relief and was referred to KGMU. The doctor advised an urgent ultrasound, but Kumar was given an appointment for October 22, a wait of 38 days. "I am in unbearable abdominal pain and the doctor said the ultrasound was needed urgently. Waiting for 38 days is worrying," he said. Meera Tiwari, 65, a resident of Kakori, consulted doctors at Queen Mary's Hospital on September 14. After being advised an ultrasound, she was given a date of October 30, that is 46 days later. Hamza Ali, 13, admitted to Gandhi Ward, was advised an ultrasound on September 14. His family said even after informing staff about his serious condition, he was given a date of September 24. Several patients said they are forced to get ultrasounds done at private diagnostic centres, which many poor patients cannot afford. KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said the patients' rush has increased because of the changing weather. "Efforts are being made to reduce waiting period and streamline the process," he added. HTC...