Dr Pranav Mahadeokar, Consultant Radiologist and HOD, Ruby Hall Clinic stresses that as we look ahead, the path is clear. With continued investment in medical technology R&D, support from government initiatives like Make in India, and partnerships across public and private sectors, we can ensure that MRI and all critical diagnostic tools are no longer confined to urban centers
In the landscape of modern medicine, early and accurate diagnosis plays a pivotal role in determining outcomes. At the heart of this diagnostic revolution lies Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—a non-invasive, radiation-free technology that enables healthcare professionals to visualise intricate internal structures and detect diseases with remarkable precision. Yet, despite the tremendous strides in medical advancement, access to quality MRI imaging remains a privilege for many. In India, more than 50 per cent of the population still lacks access to high-quality MRI technology, especially in rural and underserved regions.
This stark disparity is not simply about machines—it’s about lives. When a patient from a tier 3 town is forced to travel hundreds of kilometers to get an MRI, it delays diagnosis, adds to treatment costs, and worsens health outcomes. If we genuinely want to transform healthcare in India, we must bridge this divide. And to do that, we need to rethink MRI—from how it’s built to where it reaches.
For decades, India has relied on imported MRI machines. While these systems have brought advanced capabilities to urban hospitals, they have also contributed to significant limitations. Most MRI components—magnets, gradients, coils, and software are manufactured overseas and imported into the country. This dependence on foreign technology means high initial costs, inflated maintenance expenses, and pricing vulnerability tied to the dollar exchange rate. For smaller hospitals and diagnostic centers in semi-urban or rural areas, investing in such machines often becomes economically unfeasible.
But a new era is dawning—one that promises self-reliance, affordability, and accessibility. The launch of indigenous MRI scanners marks a game-changing moment for Indian healthcare. Manufactured entirely in India, these scanners reduce costs significantly, break free from currency fluctuations, and are designed keeping local needs in mind.
The installation of a Made-in-India MRI scanner at AIIMS—a premier government medical institution—stands as a testament to this progress. Developed at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), India’s dedicated medical technology manufacturing hub, this MRI scanner proves that India has the capability not just to adopt but to innovate and lead. By slashing capital and operational costs by up to 40 per cent, this scanner is making high-quality MRI imaging far more affordable and accessible.
The implications of this go beyond infrastructure. This shift is about democratising healthcare—ensuring that patients in smaller towns no longer have to depend on faraway metro hospitals for a basic scan. Tier 2 and tier 3 cities are now looking at a future where advanced diagnostic imaging can be delivered locally, reliably, and affordably.
Moreover, the indigenous systems are being tailored for India’s unique healthcare challenges. They are modular, easier to maintain, and compatible with local power and connectivity infrastructure. Some are even being designed with portable and compact models, which could revolutionise how diagnostics reach the remotest parts of the country.
Complementing this technological leap is the advancement of teleradiology and remote scanning. With a growing shortage of trained radiologists, especially in rural areas, technology now allows scans taken in remote clinics to be interpreted by experts sitting in urban centers. This seamless digital bridge means expertise is no longer limited by geography. Whether in a metro or a village, a patient can now receive the same diagnostic quality—promptly and accurately.
This is not a distant dream—it’s happening now. For patients, this isn’t just about convenience—it’s about dignity, speed, and survival. For the healthcare system, it means reduced load on tertiary centers, better resource allocation, and a move toward equitable care.
Indigenous MRI innovation is much more than a technical advancement—it is a social equalizer. It reflects India’s growing capability to solve its own problems with homegrown solutions. It reduces dependence on costly imports and places power back in the hands of Indian hospitals, clinicians, and policymakers. More importantly, it places the patient—irrespective of where they live—at the center of the healthcare ecosystem.
As we look ahead, the path is clear. With continued investment in medical technology R&D, support from government initiatives like Make in India, and partnerships across public and private sectors, we can ensure that MRI and all critical diagnostic tools are no longer confined to urban centers.
They belong everywhere. From urban hospitals to rural clinics, indigenous innovation is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable India—one MRI at a time.