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MRI Machine Down: Patients Face Costly Scans
3 Jun
Summary
- Imported spare parts delay stalls hospital MRI repairs.
- Patients face expensive private scans due to machine downtime.
- New MRI machines are expected to be installed later this year.
A critical MRI machine at KEM Hospital has been out of service for more than 15 days, significantly impacting patient care. The delay in repairs is attributed to the non-arrival of imported spare parts, essential for its cooling system. These parts are unavailable in India and their delivery is hindered by global supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The prolonged downtime means patients must now seek MRI scans at private diagnostic centers, incurring substantial costs. While hospital officials stated agreements with private centers aim to charge municipal rates (around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per body part), patients report being quoted much higher prices, with scans costing at least Rs 15,000.
This situation highlights a broader issue of insufficient MRI facilities across Mumbai's civic hospitals. To address this, four new MRI machines are slated for installation at KEM, Nair, Sion, and Cooper hospitals by September to October of this year, with procurement processes nearing completion. Meanwhile, Nair Hospital's MRI machine has been non-functional since 2023, further straining resources.
