Telangana’s Big Health Boost: 9 MRI, 8 CT Scanners, 485 Ventilators
HYDERABAD: Telangana will expand advanced diagnostic services in government hospitals with nine new MRI machines and eight CT scanners, Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha said in the Legislative Council on Thursday.
The government will also procure and install 485 additional ventilators at hospitals that need them, he said.
Nine 3-Tesla MRI machines planned
Rajanarsimha said government hospitals currently have nine MRI machines, 50 CT scanners and 1,770 ventilators.
Gandhi Hospital, Osmania General Hospital, NIMS, MGM Hospital in Warangal, RIMS Adilabad, Dr Malli Chennareddy Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences and MNJ Cancer Hospital currently offer MRI services.
The government will soon introduce MRI services at more hospitals. These include Government General Hospitals in Nizamabad, Siddipet, Suryapet, Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar. Niloufer Hospital and other facilities will also get the service.
Patient footfall has increased at Gandhi and Osmania hospitals following the expansion of medical services, the minister said. The government will add MRI machines at both hospitals to meet the growing demand.
Overall, the government will procure nine advanced 3-Tesla MRI machines, he said.
Eight more hospitals to get CT scanners
Rajanarsimha said 50 government hospitals currently offer CT scan services. The government will add CT scanners at eight more hospitals.
The state currently has 1,770 ventilators in government hospitals. It will install another 485 ventilators at facilities that require them, he said.
Government strengthens equipment maintenance
The government has also taken steps to keep medical equipment functional after installation, Rajanarsimha said.
The Telangana Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGMSIDC) uses E-Upkaran, a web-based system to track biomedical equipment. The system monitors equipment purchases, supplies and maintenance.
TGMSIDC has also set up a Special Project Monitoring Unit (PMU). It monitors equipment performance, working conditions and maintenance.
The PMU conducts regular audits and ensures timely servicing and repairs. The government is also appointing biomedical engineers to handle urgent repairs.
Over 1,500 technicians appointed
Rajanarsimha said trained technicians play a key role in keeping medical equipment operational.
The government has appointed more than 1,500 technicians on a regular basis over the past two-and-a-half years, he said.
Hospitals are also engaging technicians through contract and outsourcing arrangements wherever necessary.
