Patna: Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) is set to operationalise the state’s first research-based MRI machine and two advanced CT scan machines this month, aiming to strengthen diagnostic and research facilities. Health minister Nishant Kumar said the new installations would provide high-quality and affordable diagnostic services, reducing the need for patients to travel to other states for treatment.The machines will be installed in the radiology department of PMCH. Once operational, they will enable patients to access better diagnostic facilities in less time while also helping doctors conduct research and improve the study of complex diseases.Nishant, in an official release, said, “This will spare patients from having to wait long for diagnostic tests, and better testing facilities will be available within their own state at lower cost.”He said the govt’s priority was to ensure that patients did not have to depend on other states for treatment and diagnostic tests and that all modern facilities were available in Bihar itself.Providing further details, PMCH superintendent Dr Rajiva Kumar Singh said the installation of two CT scan machines and one MRI machine in the new radiology building would be completed by the end of this month. He said that such advanced machines were being installed in Bihar for the first time and would be used not only for patient care but also for research into various diseases.Rajiva said the capacity of the new machines would be significantly higher than that of the existing ones, with each capable of testing more than 100 patients in 24 hours. This would reduce waiting time and ensure quicker reports. He added that trained technicians would soon be appointed through outsourcing for smooth operation.A meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti will be held to determine the rates for diagnostic tests.
