First indigenously-built MRI scanner to be installed in AIIMS-Delhi for clinical trials by October

    New Delhi, Mar 25 (PTI) India has developed its first indigenous MRI scanner that will be installed at AIIMS-Delhi by October for clinical trials and evaluation.
    The initiative is aimed at considerably reducing the cost of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning and reliance on imported machines, thus allowing wider public access.
    A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for installation of the 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner has been signed between the premier hospital and Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) -- an autonomous research and development organisation, functioning under the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in Mumbai.
    AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr M Srinivas said the majority of equipment in critical and post operative care, ICUs, robotics, MRIs in India were imported.
    "The development of this indigenous MRI machine is a major step towards becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependence on foreign imported devices," he said.
    "As we have the experience of using the best of global equipment, we can compare and provide feedback for necessary improvements so that the machine is clinically proven for deployment in health facilities. The aim is also to ensure that it meets standards," he added.
    There is no mechanism in place at present to check norms and validate MRI scanners in India as they are not made in the country, said PH Rao, the SAMEER director general.
    The Union health ministry is drafting norms for validating MRI scanners to give clearance to use it on patients, even during trials.
    The body is waiting for approval to start clinical and human trials, Rao said.
    Once the scanner is validated for use in health facilities, the cost of MRI scans is likely to drop by around 50 per cent, making diagnostics accessible to a broader population.
    Professor Rama Jayasundar, head of department of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at AIIMS-Delhi, said the MoU was signed on Tuesday.
    "The initiative will considerably reduce the cost of MRI scanning and reliance on imported machines," she said.
    MeitY has spearheaded the development of two critical healthcare technologies -- the 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and a 6 MEV Linear Accelerator -- through SAMEER as the developing agency.
    The MRI scanner is a non-invasive medical imaging test used to visualise soft tissues while the Linear Accelerator is utilised for cancer treatment using high-energy X-rays or electrons. Both projects have received financial support from MeitY to help India move towards import substitution.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)