BMC Hospitals To Get MRI Machines Within 3 Months

Mumbai's civic body has received four new MRI machines for four major BMC-run medical college hospitals, namely Sion, KEM, Nair, and Cooper. The machines are expected to be installed and operational within the next three months, providing relief to patients who currently face long waiting periods for MRI scans.

The new machines will help reduce the pressure on existing MRI services at these hospitals, where patients often wait for one to two months for scans. This situation is particularly challenging for emergency and critically ill patients who require timely imaging and are often referred to private or outsourced facilities.

Prajakta Lawangare Varma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), confirmed that all four MRI machines had arrived and that the installation process would begin soon. The work will include creating the necessary infrastructure, such as electrical, civil, plumbing, and air-conditioning requirements, needed for installation and commissioning of the machines.

The procurement of the MRI machines has been in the pipeline for several years, with discussions initiated as early as 2024. A tender and pre-bid process in May 2025 specified the procurement of four 3-Tesla, 64-channel MRI machines for the radiology departments of BMC hospitals. The machines come with a standard warranty and comprehensive maintenance contract.

The existing MRI capacity at these hospitals is under pressure, with Nair Hospital's MRI machine remaining non-functional for nearly two years. Sion Hospital has also been facing pressure on its MRI capacity, while KEM Hospital has a waiting period of more than a month for MRI scans.

Dr. Pramod Ingle, Dean of Sion Hospital, said that it would take around three months for the new machine to become operational for patients. Once functional, around 20 to 25 patients could undergo MRI scans daily, depending on the nature of the investigation. With all four MRI machines becoming operational, around 80 to 100 patients will get MRI scan facilities, which will also bring down the waiting lists.

The introduction of new MRI machines at these hospitals is expected to improve the healthcare services provided to patients in Mumbai. The reduced wait times and increased availability of MRI scans will be a significant relief to patients who require timely imaging.

The civic body's efforts to upgrade the healthcare infrastructure in Mumbai are a step in the right direction. The installation of new MRI machines at these hospitals will help provide better healthcare services to patients and reduce the pressure on existing facilities.

In conclusion, the arrival of new MRI machines at four BMC hospitals is a significant development in the healthcare sector in Mumbai. The machines are expected to be operational within the next three months, providing relief to patients who currently face long waiting periods for MRI scans. This development is a positive step towards improving the healthcare services provided to patients in Mumbai.

The introduction of new MRI machines will also have a significant impact on the healthcare system in Mumbai. It will help reduce the waiting lists and provide timely imaging to patients who require it. The civic body's efforts to upgrade the healthcare infrastructure in Mumbai are a step in the right direction, and this development is a significant milestone in that effort.

Overall, the arrival of new MRI machines at four BMC hospitals is a welcome development in the healthcare sector in Mumbai. It will help provide better healthcare services to patients and reduce the pressure on existing facilities. The civic body's efforts to upgrade the healthcare infrastructure in Mumbai are a positive step towards improving the healthcare services provided to patients in the city.