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To reduce long wait times for MRI scans, Mumbai’s JJ Hospital, the city’s largest government-run hospital, plans to operate its MRI machines around the clock for general patients. The hospital also intends to provide online appointments for scans through new software, avoiding overcrowding.
JJ Hospital currently has two MRI machines, one for general patients and another for emergencies. However, due to staffing shortages, the machines only run until 8 pm, causing a huge backlog of pending scans. Patients either wait 2-3 months or pay out-of-pocket at private centers.
To address this, the radiology department will extend operating hours, keeping one machine running at night. “We ran a pilot project where with the help of additional manpower, we scanned general patients even at night. With its success, we are planning to open the MRI scan even at night which will help to clear the backlogs,” said a doctor from the hospital.
The 24/7 scanning is expected to begin next month.
Additionally, the hospital aims to systemize the process through online appointments generated by new software. JJ Hospital is recruiting software engineers to develop a system for booking scans with set times and dates. “Now, all patients just flock to the hospital for the scan and have to wait for hours as there is no mechanism to regularize it. With the introduction of the system, patients would know when to arrive,” the doctor said. “These are still in infancy but we are trying to tailor the process,” he added.
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