The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), instead of buying a new one, has planned to repair the sole MRI machine at Nair hospital at a cost of ₹1.5 crore.
Patients are now being referred to other hospitals as the machine has been lying defunct since an accident in January. Rajesh Maru (32) was visiting a relative in the hospital when he was asked by a ward boy to carry an oxygen cylinder inside the MRI room. Once inside, he was sucked into the MRI machine and died.
The proposed budget for the repair includes ₹56.67 lakh for spare parts, ₹23.6 lakh for servicing, and ₹13.79 lakh for helium. The machine is the proprietary product of Philips Engineering Ltd, and hence it is the single contender for the contract. The contract involves repairs, installation, and maintenance for a year.
“We explored several possibilities including buying a new machine. It has now been decided to repair it and put it to use. We hope it will be cleared by the standing committee soon,” Ramesh Bharmal, medical superintendent, Nair hospital, said.
A proposal has been tabled for Wednesday’s standing committee meeting.