Patna: Patients at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) will soon be able to undergo CT scan and MRI investigations at rates nearly 25% lower than those charged at AIIMS Patna, providing significant relief, particularly to emergency and neuro patients.
Under the revised pricing, a routine brain CT scan will cost just Rs 450 at PMCH, compared to Rs 600 at AIIMS Patna. Currently, the same test is conducted at PMCH under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for Rs 900.
The hospital administration is preparing to launch 71 types of CT scan services and 109 types of MRI examinations. The advanced CT scan and MRI machines have been ready for nearly two-and-a-half months, but operations were delayed due to a shortage of trained technicians.
Recruitment Process Underway
According to hospital officials, the key hurdle in operationalising the facilities has now been resolved after the Health Department approved technician appointments with remuneration on par with AIIMS Patna. The recruitment process has already begun.
If appointments are completed on schedule, CT scan and MRI services are expected to become operational before August 15, enabling patients to access advanced diagnostic facilities within the hospital at substantially lower costs.
30–32 Technical Staff to Be Appointed
The Radiology Department was shifted to PMCH’s new radiology building in June, where X-ray and other diagnostic services have already commenced. Although the CT scan and MRI machines are fully installed and ready for use, services could not begin because of the shortage of technical personnel.
To ensure round-the-clock operations in three shifts, PMCH plans to recruit 30 to 32 technical staff, including technicians, radiographers, assistants and data management personnel.
Hospital Superintendent Confirms Timeline
PMCH Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rajeev Kumar Singh said the issue regarding salary determination for technical staff had been resolved.
“The Health Department has approved the appointment of technicians on remuneration similar to AIIMS Patna. We are making every effort to start CT scan and MRI services at PMCH before August 15,” he said.
The move is expected to reduce patients’ dependence on private diagnostic centres and make advanced imaging services more affordable for thousands of patients seeking treatment at Bihar’s largest government hospital.
