India's First Homegrown MRI Machine: A Game-Changer in Affordable Healthcare

India has made a major breakthrough in medical technology with the creation of its first indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. The 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, developed by AIIMS Delhi and SAMEER, will be installed at AIIMS by October for clinical trials. The project will reduce the cost of MRI scans by leaps and bounds and cut dependence on imported machinery, which accounts for 80-85% of India's medical device market.

The device is likely to make sophisticated diagnostic imaging more available to the public while aiding the nation's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. SAMEER Director General PH Rao pointed out the innovation's capability to revolutionize healthcare by incorporating advanced MRI and linear accelerator technologies in subsequent versions.

This achievement comes after years of work under government-supported initiatives such as the National Biopharma Mission, which demonstrates India's drive for self-reliance in leading-edge medical technology.

Sources: Times of India, Business Standard, Economic Times