AIIMS to Install India’s First Indigenous MRI Machine by October

New Delhi, [Date] – The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has announced plans to install India’s first indigenously developed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine by October of this year. This milestone project is a collaborative effort with the Society for Applied Microwave Electronic Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The 1.5 tesla MRI machine is expected to significantly reduce treatment costs and lessen India’s reliance on imported medical devices. Currently, the nation imports approximately 80 to 85 percent of its medical device requirements, with the import bill reaching ₹68,885 crore in the financial year 2023-24, marking a 13 percent increase from the previous year.

PH Rao, Director General of SAMEER, stated that the organization is currently awaiting permission for clinical and human trials. He highlighted the absence of a national mechanism to validate MRI machines according to domestic standards, which is a crucial step before the machine can be deployed for patient use.

An AIIMS official confirmed that the installation is targeted for completion within seven months, aligning with the October timeline. This initiative aligns with the central government’s push for indigenous innovations to decrease import dependency in the medical devices sector.

“The partnership aims to reduce treatment costs and reliance on imported medical devices,” an AIIMS official explained.

While SAMEER prepares for trials in the coming months, it is worth noting that other companies, such as Chennai-based Fischer Medical Ventures and Bengaluru-based Voxelgrids Innovations, have previously claimed to have developed made-in-India MRI machines. Attempts to reach these companies for comment were unsuccessful.

This development marks a significant step towards self-reliance in medical technology and promises to make advanced diagnostic tools more accessible and affordable for Indian patients.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on reports available at the time of writing. The actual timeline and outcomes of the MRI machine installation and clinical trials are subject to change based on regulatory approvals, technical developments, and other unforeseen factors. This article does not constitute medical or technical advice. Readers are advised to consult with relevant experts for specific information.(https://www.business-standard.com/health/aiims-delhi-to-install-india-s-first-indigenously-built-mri-machine-by-oct-125032501270_1.html)