Delhi Hospital's 13-Year Scan Machine Drought Ends Soon?

The Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Dilshad Garden has been operating for almost 13 years without vital MRI and CT scan machines. This prolonged lack of diagnostic equipment, present since 2012, has significantly delayed crucial patient diagnoses and burdened individuals with out-of-pocket expenses for tests at other facilities. Following a surprise inspection in September 2025, a comprehensive upgrade of the hospital was ordered, prioritizing the installation of modern diagnostic tools.

Despite receiving approval for procuring an MRI machine, more than six months have passed without its acquisition. Hospital officials indicate that procurement procedures are underway and approvals from the health ministry have been secured, suggesting the scans may be available in the coming months. This delay impacts over 30,000 annual neurology outpatients, many of whom require these basic yet fundamental investigations for conditions like stroke, epilepsy, and seizures.

Patients from economically weaker sections are particularly affected. While the Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme offers assistance, it has limitations regarding income and residency. Emergency cases and those not qualifying for the scheme often resort to private diagnostic centers, facing costs of ₹8,000-₹15,000 for an MRI brain scan and ₹4,000-₹6,000 for a CT scan of the head. Even referred patients to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital face weeks-long waits for CT scans.