New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move to make advanced healthcare accessible, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has partnered with private diagnostic labs to offer low-cost MRI and CT scans.
Announced on Thursday, this initiative aims to slash waiting times and ease the financial burden on patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
The collaboration, effective from January 2026, will see private labs near AIIMS provide these scans at rates significantly lower than market prices, with AIIMS overseeing quality control.
Currently, patients at AIIMS face delays of up to six months for MRI scans due to high demand and limited infrastructure. The new scheme will allow AIIMS to refer patients to accredited private labs, where an MRI, typically costing Rs 8,000-12,000, will be available for as low as Rs 2,500-4,000. CT scans, often priced at Rs 5,000-7,000, will be offered at Rs 1,500-2,500.
This move is expected to benefit over 10,000 patients monthly, ensuring timely diagnosis for critical conditions like cancer and neurological disorders.
Dr M Srinivas, AIIMS Director, hailed the initiative as a “game-changer for public healthcare,” emphasising its alignment with the government’s affordable healthcare vision. Patients will continue to receive consultations at AIIMS, with private labs handling only imaging services.
The partnership has sparked optimism among patients, many of whom previously faced exorbitant costs or long waits. As AIIMS sets a precedent, other public hospitals may follow suit, potentially transforming India’s healthcare landscape.