Mumbai: Persistent Malfunctions in BYL Nair Hospital’s MRI Machine Pose Challenges for Patients

Mumbai, 5th January 2024: The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at BYL Nair Hospital, a civic-run facility, has been consistently malfunctioning since December 2023, causing significant difficulties for patients. The machine’s non-functionality, attributed to a lack of helium gas and damaged parts, has led to approximately 30 patients daily seeking MRI services at other civic-run hospitals, incurring additional expenses at private diagnostic centres.

Despite receiving an end-of-life certificate in January of the previous year and the manufacturer refusing to service it, the hospital authorities instructed the radiology department to continue using the dysfunctional machine until a new one is procured. Although tenders have been issued for a new machine, specific details and a timeline for the replacement are yet to be provided.

The hospital dean, Dr Sudhir Medhekar, expressed uncertainty about the reason behind the malfunctioning machine, highlighting that even helium gas procured twice did not resolve the issue. Patients are being redirected to other BMC-run hospitals for MRI services. This situation echoes concerns raised in 2018 when an attendant was trapped in the MRI machine, prompting calls for improved patient care.

Internal politics and delays in issuing tenders have historically hindered the procurement of new machines, according to an official from the radiology department. The unavailability of spare parts for the old machine, coupled with the manufacturer’s refusal to repair it, adds to the complexity. The frequent breakdowns not only affect patients but also impact the practical lessons of 30 radiology students at the hospital, who are now being sent to other hospitals for their education.

While higher officials are reportedly in the process of purchasing a new machine, conflicting information exists. Doctors from the radiology department claim they have been instructed to explore the possibility of repairing the existing machine. The situation highlights systemic issues and raises concerns about the impact on patient care and medical education at the hospital.