Nagpur: In a groundbreaking announcement, Union Minister of Highways and Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, has revealed that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services will soon be available at an unprecedentedly low cost of Rs 1,000. This development, made possible by the innovative work of scientists at the Medical Device Park in Visakhapatnam, has the potential to revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of diagnostic imaging in India.
Generally, MRI costs anything between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000. Gadkari said that scientists from the Medical Device Park in Visakhapatnam are developing a device which may bring out MRI for around Rs 1,000.
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29 May 2025
Gadkari expressed his confidence in the ongoing efforts of the scientists, highlighting their exceptional work at the Medical Device Park. Established during his tenure as Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the park has emerged as a hub of cutting-edge research and technological advancements.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Device Park demonstrated its capabilities by producing 1,000 ventilators as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. These ventilators were subsequently distributed to various hospitals, and Gadkari confirmed that they have been functioning effectively, with no reported complaints.
The forthcoming breakthrough in MRI technology is expected to disrupt the current pricing paradigm. Currently, MRI scans can cost anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000, making them relatively expensive for many individuals and limiting their accessibility. By reducing the cost to just Rs 1,000, the Medical Device Park aims to make MRI services affordable for a larger segment of the population, ensuring that crucial diagnostic tools are more widely available.
While specific details regarding the technology behind the low-cost MRI device were not disclosed, the announcement has generated tremendous excitement and anticipation among healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public. The affordability of MRI scans could have far-reaching implications, enhancing early detection of diseases and enabling more efficient and accurate diagnoses.
The initiative by the Medical Device Park aligns with the government’s vision of promoting technological advancements in the healthcare sector. By leveraging innovation, research, and collaborative efforts, the park has demonstrated its commitment to making state-of-the-art medical devices accessible to all segments of society.
Gadkari was speaking as the chief guest at the installation ceremony of the Nagpur Branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Dr Vandana Kate was installed as president while Dr Kamlakar Pawar as Secretary of Nagpur IMA.
Dr Kate said that this year, IMA is working on its 7-point agenda. “We will revive our project ‘Aao Gaon Chale’ this year. We have adopted Umbargaon village on Nagpur-Umred road. Healthcare facilities in this village will get a complete facelift,” she said, adding, ‘health for all’ and ‘fitness for doctors’ initiatives will be undertaken.
“The most important task will be to revive the concept of family physician. Doctors must be the first point of contact for patients. Earlier, the concept of family doctor was very strongly rooted in society. Nowadays, people want to see specialists first,” said Dr Kate.
IMA will also conduct many academic events, social, cultural and sports activities throughout the year. IMA national will be launching its bioethics wing and Nagpur will contribute significantly.
