Mumbai: Mumbai’s major civic hospitals — KEM, Nair, Sion, and Cooper — are set to get new MRI and CT scan machines, as the state government plans to rope in private players through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the legislature that the tender process is already underway.
The proposal for upgrading diagnostic facilities at these hospitals has been pending for years, resulting in MRI waiting periods of two to six months. Many patients are compelled to seek costly scans at private centers to avoid delays in treatment.
Nair Hospital’s MRI machine has remained out of service since 2018. Despite spending lakhs on helium refills, the machine performed only about 20–25 scans before breaking down again. At KEM Hospital, which recently celebrated its centenary, patients are currently being allotted MRI appointments as late as December, with no calendar available for 2026. Only one MRI and two CT machines are functional, both in poor condition. Emergency trauma and ICU patients are prioritized, while others face long waits.
Attempts to procure new machines have so far failed. A tender issued on April 25 received a response from just one company, forcing the BMC to reissue it. The response to the fresh tender remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Fadnavis recently chaired a review meeting of the Health Department where he emphasized digitalization and streamlining procurement. He instructed both the Public Health and Medical Education departments to adopt a single e-drug computerized system for purchasing medicines, supplies, and equipment under a unified rate contract for two years. He stressed that supplies must be timely, consistent, and quality-driven.
The Chief Minister also directed that the maximum number of health services be made available online via the ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal to enhance public access and transparency.
