India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner to be Installed at AIIMS-Delhi by October 2025
India has successfully developed its first locally manufactured MRI scanner, set to be installed at AIIMS-Delhi for clinical trials by October 2025. This landmark initiative is expected to lower MRI scan costs by 50% while reducing the country’s dependence on imported medical imaging technology, making healthcare more affordable and accessible to the public.
A Major Leap Towards Self-Reliance in Healthcare
According to a PTI report, India’s first domestically developed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner will undergo clinical evaluation at AIIMS-Delhi before being rolled out for widespread use. The project, driven by the goal of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, aims to enhance India’s capacity in advanced medical imaging and minimize reliance on foreign imports.
AIIMS-Delhi Director Dr. M Srinivas highlighted that most critical healthcare equipment used in India, including MRI machines, ICU devices, and robotic systems, are currently imported. The development of an indigenous MRI scanner marks a significant milestone in building India’s in-house medical technology capabilities. “Our experience with globally renowned equipment allows us to provide comparative feedback to fine-tune the machine for optimal clinical performance,” he stated.
Strategic Partnership to Advance MRI Technology
To facilitate this development, AIIMS-Delhi has signed an MoU with the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER)—an autonomous R&D institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). As per the agreement, a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner will be installed at AIIMS-Delhi by October 2025 for trials.
Once validated for clinical use, the indigenous MRI scanner will:
✔ Reduce the cost of MRI scans by approximately 50%
✔ Enhance access to diagnostic imaging for a larger section of the population
✔ Help India develop regulatory mechanisms for domestic MRI scanner validation
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges
Currently, India lacks a standardized framework to evaluate and approve MRI scanners manufactured within the country. SAMEER’s Director General, PH Rao, noted that an approval mechanism is being developed to facilitate clinical and human trials for the new scanner. The Union Health Ministry is working on guidelines that will allow MRI scanners to be used on patients even during the trial phase.
SAMEER’s Role in Advancing Medical Technology
SAMEER has been instrumental in developing two major medical technologies:
1️⃣ 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner – A crucial tool for non-invasive medical imaging, providing detailed visuals of soft tissues.
2️⃣ 6 MEV Linear Accelerator – Used in cancer treatment, delivering targeted high-energy X-rays or electrons.
Both projects have received financial support from MeitY, aligning with India’s push for import substitution and domestic manufacturing of medical technology.
A New Era for Affordable Healthcare
The successful deployment of an indigenous MRI scanner will be a game-changer for India’s healthcare sector, paving the way for cost-effective and widely accessible medical imaging. By reducing costs and enhancing self-sufficiency, this initiative strengthens India’s medical infrastructure and brings the vision of affordable healthcare for all closer to reality.
