India Launches First Indigenously Developed MRI Scanner

• 03 Aug 2023

On 1^st August, 2023, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology launched India's first indigenously developed, affordable, lightweight, ultrafast, high-field (1.5 Tesla), next-generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Introduction of Indigenous MRI Scanner: The introduction of the indigenous MRI scanner is expected to significantly reduce the cost of MRI scanning, making it more accessible to the common man and reducing the need for international procurement.
• Atmanirbharta: The program aligns with Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic manufacturing in India.
• Future Prospects and Collaborations: India expects the demand for MRI machines to more than double by 2030, driven by initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which aims to improve healthcare access and inclusiveness.
• Accessible to all: With the new scanner, India aims to address the challenge of limited access to MRI diagnostic modality, especially in developing countries, where capital costs have been prohibitively high.
• Boosting Innovation: The passage of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill is expected to further boost collaborations between industry, academia, government departments, and research institutions, encouraging innovation and R&D spending.