A First: Indigenous MRI Machine Set for Trials at AIIMS-Delhi
In a landmark achievement for Indian innovation, the country has developed its first indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, set to be installed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi by October 2025 for clinical trials. This development marks a significant step towards reducing India’s reliance on imported medical equipment, which currently accounts for 85% of the nation’s needs.
The project is a collaborative effort between AIIMS, one of India’s premier healthcare institutions, and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (Sameer), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Together, they aim to create a homegrown MRI system that meets global standards, paving the way for affordable and accessible diagnostics.
Clinical Trials and Global Benchmarking
The MRI machine will undergo extensive field trials at AIIMS-Delhi, where experts will assess its performance and provide critical feedback to Sameer. Dr. M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, highlighted the institute’s role in this process, stating, “Having used some of the best global equipment in the world, we also feel that we have become self-reliant. We can give feedback to the innovator and compare it with global diagnostic products so that better versions can be created. This will help the innovator make the necessary improvements and ensure the technology meets global standards.”
This iterative process is expected to refine the machine, ensuring it competes with top-tier international models while catering to India’s unique healthcare demands.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. P Hanumantha Rao, Director General of Sameer, emphasized the pioneering nature of the project, noting, “No MRI machine has been built in the country until now. AIIMS will conduct clinical trials, and based on the feedback, we will develop the next version for commercial use.” Sameer has partnered with seven industries to support the initiative, with plans to scale up production and innovation.
Looking ahead, Rao revealed ambitious plans to integrate advanced technology into future iterations. “In the future, we will come up with an advanced MRI, wherein a linear accelerator (LINAC) and MRI will be combined for diagnostics. This will take seven years,” he said. Additionally, Sameer is working on establishing an open test bed for MRI technology. “If one creates an algorithm, it could be tested at Sameer. Nobody needs to create an entire MRI for trials. Any part of the MRI could be tested at the test bed,” Rao added.
Addressing India’s Import Dependency
India currently imports 85% of its medical equipment, including MRI and CT scan machines, primarily from countries like Germany, China, and Malaysia. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the nation’s medical device import bill surged by Rs 69,000 crore, underscoring the urgency of domestic manufacturing. The indigenous MRI machine is a critical step towards curbing this dependency, aligning with the Union Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Last year, under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme—a program offering financial incentives to boost local manufacturing—the government commissioned 19 projects to produce 46 medical devices currently imported. The development of the MRI machine complements these efforts, promising to lower treatment costs and enhance healthcare accessibility for millions of Indians.
A Milestone for Indian Healthcare
The arrival of India’s first indigenous MRI machine is more than a technological triumph—it’s a symbol of the country’s growing prowess in innovation and self-sufficiency. As clinical trials commence at AIIMS-Delhi in October 2025, the nation stands on the cusp of a healthcare revolution. With continued collaboration and refinement, this indigenous solution could not only serve India’s needs but also position the country as a contender in the global medical technology arena.
This article is written by Alok Kumar Yadav, Domain Expert (Medical Imaging Instruments).