Boost to govt-run health infra in Maharashtra: JJ Hospital first to receive mobile head CT scanners for seriously ill patients

Currently, JJ Hospital operates two CT machines in its radiology department. However, technical issues often create backlogs, forcing some patients to seek scans at external facilities.

Currently, JJ Hospital operates two CT machines in its radiology department. (Representational Image/Express Archives)

3 min readMumbaiOct 9, 2024 08:08 PM IST First published on: Oct 9, 2024 at 08:08 PM IST

Transferring critically ill patients to a CT scan unit in a different building has long posed challenges for both patients and the staff. However, the situation is set to improve as the government has approved the procurement of portable CT scan machines designed for bedside head and neck imaging, significantly reducing treatment times.

Currently, JJ Hospital operates two CT machines in its radiology department. However, technical issues often create backlogs, forcing some patients to seek scans at external facilities. This is especially concerning for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, who face heightened health risks during transportation and contribute to delays for others needing scans, ultimately compromising overall efficiency.

To alleviate these challenges, the Medical Education and Drugs Department (MEDD) has allocated Rs 24 crore for the purchase of two portable head CT scanners, each costing Rs 12 crores.

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“The government’s approval for portable CT machines is a significant advancement for diagnosing head and neck injuries in trauma and accident cases. At JJ Hospital, we frequently receive patients with urgent needs for imaging due to trauma in road accidents. The ability to perform head CT scans at the bedside will greatly enhance our response times. This innovation minimizes the risks associated with moving critically ill patients and ensures they receive prompt and accurate diagnoses, which are crucial for effective treatment and can ultimately save lives,” said Dr Pallavi Saple, Dean of JJ Hospital.

Spanning 43 acre of land, the JJ Hospital accommodates up to 2,000 outpatients and treats around 1,000 admitted patients daily. The government plans to install portable CT machines in six other state-run hospitals, including BJ Medical College in Pune, JJ Medical College, and two at Government Medical College in Nagpur. Additional machines will be placed at Solapur Medical College, Vasantrao Naik Medical College in Yavatmal, and Shankarrao Chavan Medical College in Nanded.

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Moreover, the government is procuring handheld portable X-ray machines for 27 medical colleges and hospitals, representing a substantial upgrade to healthcare infrastructure.

The supplier will deliver fully operational machines, including installation and training, ensuring immediate usability for healthcare providers. With an allocation of Rs19 crores, this initiative seeks to improve diagnostic capabilities across facilities, particularly benefiting rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare resources is often limited.

A senior officer from the MEDD said, “These innovations enable healthcare teams to conduct real-time imaging at the bedside, significantly reducing the time from diagnosis to treatment and allowing doctors to receive quicker reports for more timely decision-making.”