Just Rs.2,500 for MRI Scan! AIIMS to Launch Indigenous MRI Machine soon
AIIMS to Launch Human Trials of India’s Indigenous MRI Machine in October
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi is set to commence human trials in October 2025 for India’s first indigenously developed 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, a groundbreaking step toward self-reliance in medical technology.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and developed by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) in collaboration with AIIMS, this initiative promises to slash MRI scan costs by up to 50% and reduce India’s reliance on imported equipment, currently accounting for 80-85% of medical devices.
The MRI system, designed to visualize soft tissues non-invasively, has completed animal trials and subsystem integration—including RF power amplifiers, coils, and imaging software—paired with a locally sourced magnet. “India takes a big leap in developing frugal and indigenous health solutions,” said Sunita Verma, MeitY R&D Group Coordinator, emphasizing its potential to serve domestic needs and beyond. AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas hailed it as a cornerstone of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, noting, “We have the best brains in the country, and now we aim for the best equipment too.”
Set for installation at AIIMS Delhi by October, the trials will validate the scanner’s safety and efficacy, with the Union Health Ministry drafting norms to clear its use on patients.
If successful, the machine could halve scan costs—currently ₹5,000 or more—making diagnostics more accessible. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIIMS and SAMEER, signed on March 25, 2025, which also fosters research in AI-enhanced imaging and RF subsystems. As India imports most high-end medical gear, this leap forward could reshape healthcare affordability and availability nationwide.
