India’s First Portable MRI Machine Launched at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

AIIMS New Delhi has introduced India’s first portable MRI, enabling bedside brain scans for critical patients, reducing transfer risks, speeding diagnosis, and improving emergency neurological care and pediatric imaging.

New Delhi | 04 May 2026: In a significant advancement for critical care diagnostics, India’s first portable MRI machine has been introduced at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, enabling doctors to conduct brain scans at a patient’s bedside without shifting them to a radiology suite.

The new system is expected to transform the way critically ill patients are examined, particularly those admitted to intensive care units or placed on ventilator support, where moving the patient for imaging can be risky and time-consuming. With this portable device, the MRI unit can be wheeled directly to the patient’s bed, allowing immediate scanning without physical transfer.

Doctors at AIIMS said the technology is based on an “ultra-low field” MRI platform. While its imaging strength is lower than that of conventional high-field MRI machines, it offers the advantages of speed, safety, and ease of use in emergency and bedside settings. The device is particularly useful in assessing patients suffering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, and those recovering from brain surgeries, where rapid imaging can guide timely medical decisions.

Traditionally, MRI scans require patients to be transported to a dedicated room equipped with heavy, fixed machinery. For critically ill patients connected to life-support systems, this movement can pose serious challenges. The portable MRI removes this barrier, allowing clinicians to obtain brain images in real time and respond quickly to changes in a patient’s condition.

Medical experts noted that in neurological emergencies, time is a decisive factor. Faster access to imaging means doctors can determine treatment strategies more quickly, potentially improving survival rates and reducing complications. The new system is expected to reduce delays in diagnosis and streamline treatment planning in emergency scenarios.

The portable MRI is also expected to benefit pediatric care. Young children often face difficulties during MRI procedures due to the need to remain still or be moved into unfamiliar environments. Bedside scanning can ease this process, making imaging less stressful and more efficient for pediatric patients and caregivers.Portable MRI technology is already in use in several advanced healthcare systems worldwide. Its introduction in India is being viewed as a progressive step in modernising hospital-based diagnostics and strengthening critical care infrastructure.

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