New Delhi: The Delhi Government (MCD) is going to take a big step to help poor patients. The MCD is going to install modern MRI and CT Scan machines in its three big hospitals. This work will be done jointly by the government and private companies on (PPP model). This facility will benefit poor patients as they will not have to go to outside private centres for expensive tests. Its main objective is to remove the problems faced in treatment due to lack of money.
According to officials, the new healthcare facilities will be opened at Hindu Rao Hospital, Swami Dayanand Hospital, and Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis Hospital. These hospitals have seen over 3 million outpatient visits and 1.3 lakh inpatient visits over the past two years, highlighting the growing need for better diagnostics and treatment in Delhi.
Under the proposal, private partners will be responsible for the investment, installation, operation, and maintenance of modern diagnostic equipment, including 128-slice CT scanners and 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, without direct financial assistance from MCD. The scans are expected to be provided at regulated CGHS-linked rates, making them significantly cheaper than those available at private diagnostic centres.
Officials said the plan was initiated after Swami Dayanand Hospital sought approval to establish an integrated imaging centre. Following inspections, authorities found adequate infrastructure and space available at all three hospitals to house advanced radiology units.
The civic body is also considering a cluster-based operational model for the three hospitals to ensure standardised services and better financial viability. The move is expected to improve access to critical diagnostic tests for thousands of patients who currently face long waiting periods or are compelled to spend heavily at private laboratories.
Healthcare experts believe the project could significantly ease pressure on Delhi’s already overburdened government hospitals. At present, only a limited number of public hospitals in Delhi provide MRI and CT scan services, resulting in delays that can stretch from several months to even years in some cases.
The Delhi government is expanding diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients in government hospitals. As part of this initiative, the government previously announced plans to introduce major diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans in all government hospitals with the help of private companies (PPP model), to provide affordable and easy access to medical care for patients.
According to officials, this scheme will make treatment at government hospitals affordable and easy. It will save money for the poor and low-income earners, and it will also ensure timely detection and proper treatment of illnesses.
