Patna: Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is set to strengthen its diagnostic infrastructure with the installation of two advanced CT scan machines and one research-grade MRI machine in its new radiology building by the end of this month, officials said.
The new equipment is expected to improve access to advanced diagnostic services, reduce waiting times for patients and enhance research into complex diseases. According to hospital authorities, this will be the first time research-grade MRI and advanced CT scan machines of this capacity are installed at a government hospital in Bihar.
Modern Diagnostic Facilities
Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar said the Health Department is continuing to expand modern healthcare facilities across government hospitals.
He said the installation of advanced CT scan and MRI machines at PMCH would improve diagnostic services, reduce waiting periods and provide high-quality investigations within the state at a lower cost. The minister added that the government’s priority is to ensure patients do not have to travel outside Bihar for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
Installation to Be Completed This Month
PMCH Superintendent Rajiv Kumar Singh said the installation of the machines in the new radiology building is expected to be completed by the end of the month, after which patient services will begin.
He said the machines would be used not only for routine patient diagnostics but also for medical research on various diseases. According to Singh, the new equipment has a significantly higher capacity than the existing machines and each unit will be able to examine more than 100 patients over a 24-hour period.
Hospital officials said the increased capacity is expected to reduce long queues and enable diagnostic reports to be issued more quickly.
Staffing and Affordable Services
Singh said trained technicians will be appointed through an outsourcing process to operate the machines. He added that the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) will provide the required workforce.
A meeting of the Patient Welfare Committee will also be held to determine affordable user charges so that diagnostic services remain accessible to patients.
Diagnostic Capacity Continues to Expand
PMCH officials said the hospital’s pathology department conducted more than 234,018 diagnostic tests in June, reflecting a steady increase in demand for diagnostic services.
They said the addition of the new CT scan and MRI machines is expected to further increase the hospital’s diagnostic capacity and improve access to timely investigations. Hospital authorities said the objective is to provide advanced diagnostic facilities at minimal cost, particularly benefiting economically weaker patients.
