Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a new 3 Tesla MRI machine at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla. The advanced imaging system promises faster scans, higher resolution images, and superior diagnostic accuracy for neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological conditions, significantly reducing patient wait times and the need for referrals outside the state.
Glimpse:
The state-of-the-art 3T MRI system at IGMC Shimla features high-field magnet technology, advanced software for functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, spectroscopy, and cardiac imaging, along with noise reduction and patient comfort enhancements. Installed at a cost of several crores, it is now fully operational and will serve thousands of patients annually from Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring regions, improving early detection and treatment planning while strengthening IGMC’s position as a leading tertiary care centre in the hills.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu formally inaugurated a state-of-the-art 3 Tesla MRI machine at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla on February 27, 2026. The event was attended by Health Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal, IGMC Principal Dr. Ramesh Chand, senior faculty members, hospital staff, and local dignitaries, who hailed the addition as a game-changer for advanced diagnostics in the state.
The new 3T MRI system, one of the most powerful publicly available in Himachal Pradesh, offers significantly higher magnetic field strength compared to the conventional 1.5T machines previously in use at IGMC. This upgrade delivers sharper images with greater detail, faster scanning times (often reducing exam duration by 30–50%), and advanced imaging sequences such as functional MRI (fMRI) for brain mapping, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for white matter tract evaluation, MR spectroscopy for metabolic analysis, and high-resolution cardiac and musculoskeletal imaging. The system also incorporates patient-friendly features like wider bore design, noise reduction technology, ambient lighting, and in-scan entertainment to improve comfort, especially for anxious or paediatric patients.
During the inauguration, CM Sukhu interacted with the radiology team and observed a live demonstration of the machine’s capabilities on a volunteer patient. He emphasized that the MRI will drastically reduce the need for residents of Himachal Pradesh to travel to Chandigarh, Delhi, or other metros for high-end imaging, saving families time, money, and hardship. The Chief Minister also noted that the machine will support IGMC’s growing super-specialty departments, including neurosurgery, neurology, cardiology, orthopaedics, and oncology, enabling more accurate pre-operative planning, early disease detection, and better treatment monitoring.
The installation was funded through a combination of state budget allocations and central government grants under schemes aimed at upgrading medical college infrastructure. IGMC’s radiology department has already begun routine clinical use of the 3T MRI, with priority given to emergency cases, cancer staging, neurological emergencies, and complex musculoskeletal conditions. The hospital has trained a dedicated team of radiologists, technicians, and support staff to operate and maintain the system at optimal performance levels.
This development strengthens IGMC Shimla’s role as the leading tertiary care and teaching institution in Himachal Pradesh, reducing referral outflows and enhancing the quality of medical education and patient care in the state. Officials confirmed that similar high-end equipment upgrades are planned for other government medical colleges in the coming years to ensure equitable access to advanced diagnostics across Himachal.
“This 3 Tesla MRI is a gift to the people of Himachal Pradesh. It brings world-class diagnostic capability right here in Shimla so our citizens no longer have to travel far for timely and accurate treatment.”
By
HB Team
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