Health dept sanctions new state-of-the-art machines for four hospitals in the state

The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital will no longer have to struggle with its 10-year-old, partially-working model of the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner. For, the hospital is all set to get a new, state-of-the-art MRI scanner within the next six months and that too free of cost.

The State Heath Department has sanctioned a latest model of the MRI scanner for the Civil Hospital. The move is part of the Department’s drive to modernise the hospital, among other Civil Hospitals at Jamnagar, Rajkot and Junagadh, which will also get the scanner free of charge.

“The present scanner, which frequently breaks down , has been operational for the last 10 years. But, lately it has started giving problems on a regular basis, due to which the maintenance cost has shot up immensely,” said Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent M.M. Anchaliya.

While the new MRI scanner, which will cost Rs 35 crore for 5 years, will be available in another six months, plans for building a separate centre to house the scanner have already been discussed. Anchaliya said: “A lot of work has to be completed before we install the new scanner. A new building will be required for the purpose. We will utilise the six-month period to construct the building.

After the latest MRI scanner is installed, the present scanner will be examined by the Health Department, which will further decide upon whether to continue with it or not depending on its maintenance cost.