Mumbai: In a significant step toward upgrading its cardiac care services, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to install Advanced 4D (Live 3D) Echocardiography and Colour Doppler Systems in its leading hospitals. +
Tender Floated for Four Advanced Systems at Major Civic Hospitals
The civic body has floated a tender to procure four such machines, which will be installed at KEM Hospital, LTMG (Sion) Hospital, and BYL Nair Hospital.
These advanced imaging systems offer real-time 3D visuals of the heart, helping doctors assess chamber size, function, and valve health. The Colour Doppler function also enables accurate detection of abnormal blood flow patterns, aiding diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.
4D Echo, Colour Doppler to Enhance Real-Time Heart Diagnostics
“4D Echo provides a comprehensive view of heart function, while Colour Doppler detects issues like regurgitation or obstruction,” a senior civic health official explained.
KEM to Get Two Machines, One Each for Sion and Nair Hospitals
As per the plan, one machine each will be installed at the Cardiology and Cardiac Anesthesia departments of KEM Hospital, and one each at LTMG and Nair Hospitals. The tender includes supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the systems, along with standard accessories, a 3-year warranty, and 7-year comprehensive maintenance.
Peripheral Facilities Still Lack Basic Cardiac Services
While the initiative has been welcomed as a long-overdue technological boost for public hospitals, health activists have cautioned against neglecting peripheral facilities. At VN Desai Hospital, a 2D Echo machine has reportedly been lying unused due to the lack of an MD Medicine doctor or cardiologist to operate it.
Health Activists Call for Parallel Investment in Suburban Hospitals
"Today, most elderly patients undergoing surgery are asked to get a 2D Echo done to assess heart fitness for anesthesia. With no facility at the hospital, they are forced to go to private centres or SevenHills Hospital, often paying from their own pockets,” said a local health activist.
As BMC moves to upgrade tertiary hospitals, experts urge parallel investment in peripheral hospitals to ensure equitable access and prevent avoidable out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
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