Karnataka grants administrative approval to procure six MRI machines

The State government has granted administrative approval to procure and supply six MRI machines to district and district-level hospitals under the National Free Diagnostic Services Programme, aimed at strengthening diagnostic services across the State.

The six MRI units will be installed in district hospitals at Davanagere, Mysuru, Dharwad, Bagalkote, Jayanagar General/K.C. General Hospital in Bengaluru and Bengaluru South.

The proposal, submitted by the Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), is part of ongoing efforts to provide CT and MRI scan services to all beneficiaries through public health facilities since 2017–18. At present, MRI services are being provided under a PPP model in district hospitals at Kolar, Tumakuru, Vijayapura, Chitradurga, Udupi, and Gadag.

Earlier, administrative approval had been granted to procure two MRI machines for Mysuru and Davanagere district hospitals under an in-house model. Expanding this initiative, the government has now approved the purchase of six MRI machines — two under ECRP-2 funds and four under ECRP-1 savings — at a unit cost of ₹13.50 crore each, with a total outlay of ₹81 crore.

The decision was taken in high-level meetings chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary on February 17, 2025, and December 26, 2025, utilising savings under ECRP schemes. The procurement will be carried out in accordance with the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act through the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation (KSMSC). The Hindu