Telangana plans PPP model to ensure uninterrupted MRI services at govt hospitals

The Telangana government is planning to rope in private players to operate MRI services at government hospitals, seeking to address recurring technical problems and maintenance-related disruptions that affect access to diagnostic facilities.

Under the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the government aims to make MRI services available at all Government General Hospitals (GGHs) across the State within two years, with Mahabubnagar GGH selected for a pilot project.

Health Minister C. Damodara Raja Narasimha clarified that scans will remain free of cost for patients referred by doctors at government hospitals, even when the services are managed by private partners. At a review meeting with senior Health Department officials in Hyderabad on Friday (October 30, 2026), the Minister examined the findings of a study conducted by a team of doctors and officials on MRI service management models adopted by other States, particularly Tamil Nadu.

Currently, MRI facilities in Telangana are available at Gandhi Hospital, Osmania General Hospital (OGH), Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Marri Chenna Reddy Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (MCR TIMS), Sanathnagar, and MNJ Institute of Oncology Regional Cancer Centre in Hyderabad.

The facility is also available at MGM Hospital in Warangal, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad and GGH Bhupalapally. Many major district headquarters, including Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda, do not have MRI facilities in their government hospitals.

Even in institutions where the equipment is available, frequent technical problems and the high costs associated with maintenance often disrupt services, forcing patients to seek diagnostic facilities at private hospitals.

To address these challenges, a special team comprising medical professionals and Health Department officials visited other States to study the models adopted for managing MRI services. Following an assessment of the arrangements, including those implemented in Tamil Nadu, the team submitted a report to the government recommending the PPP model.

The officials informed the Minister that adopting the PPP model could reduce government expenditure by approximately 20% compared to the existing system. Besides reducing the financial burden of procuring and maintaining MRI equipment, the arrangement is expected to address recurring technical issues and ensure the continuous availability of diagnostic services.

Reviewing the proposal, the minister said advanced diagnostic facilities should be accessible to patients visiting government hospitals without financial constraints. The Minister also instructed officials to ensure the quality of diagnostic services, proper maintenance of equipment and timely delivery of scan reports.