The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, is set to commence human trials for India’s first indigenously developed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine system in October 2025. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on imported medical equipment and making advanced diagnostic tools more accessible to the public.
A Collaborative Effort
The indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system has been developed under the Indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI) national mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), an autonomous institution under MeitY, has played a pivotal role in designing and developing the system. Collaborating agencies include C-DAC (Trivandrum and Kolkata), IUAC (New Delhi), and DSI-MIRC (Bangalore).
Key Features and Benefits
The indigenous MRI machine aims to significantly reduce the cost of MRI scans, making them affordable for a larger population. It is expected to cut costs by up to 50%, while also promoting self-reliance in medical technology under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The machine’s subsystems, including RF Power Amplifier, RF Coils, and IMRI software, have been successfully tested and integrated with the procured magnet and gradient coil.
Clinical Validation and Future Prospects
AIIMS will conduct clinical trials to validate the machine’s accuracy, safety, and efficiency compared to imported models. Feedback from these trials will be used to refine the technology and ensure it meets global standards. The initiative is expected to pave the way for large-scale manufacturing and deployment across healthcare facilities in India.
Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, emphasized the importance of collaboration between clinicians and scientists to develop innovative medical devices. He stated, “India takes a big leap in developing frugal and indigenous health solutions to not just meet domestic demand but also serve the next billion.”
This development represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in healthcare technology, promising to revolutionize medical imaging and diagnostics in the country. Stay tuned for updates as AIIMS embarks on this transformative endeavor.
