Telangana to provide free MRI scans through PPP model
The state plans to expand services across government general hospitals within two years after 29 districts lacked machines.
Telangana plans to expand free MRI services across government general hospitals using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, starting with a pilot project at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Mahabubnagar, according to South First.
The initiative follows a Legislative Council disclosure in September showing that 29 of the state's 33 districts have no government MRI machines. Currently, only nine government MRI machines exist across eight institutions, with six located in Hyderabad and one each in Warangal, Adilabad, and Jayashankar Bhupalpally.
Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha directed officials to implement the model and assured that scans would remain free for patients referred by government hospital doctors. The minister stated that even under the PPP model, MRI scans will remain completely free of charge for these patients.
Officials told the minister that the PPP arrangement could reduce government expenditure by approximately 20 per cent compared to the existing system. The model is intended to address recurring issues regarding the procurement, operation, and maintenance of the machines.
The minister instructed officials to prepare operational guidelines to ensure service quality, equipment maintenance, and timely delivery of reports. He also directed that patients must not face disruptions due to technical problems.
The government has set a two-year target to make MRI services available across all government general hospitals in the state.