Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 20, 2026 (BSS)- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at Chattogram General Hospital has been reopened after remaining out of service for seven years.
 
With the machine now operational under a government initiative, patients will have access to this service at a significantly low cost. While an MRI test at a private laboratory typically costs between Taka 14 to 15 thousands, it can now be performed at the General Hospital for only Taka three thousand.
 
Experts said MRI scans are essential for diagnosing various injuries and complex medical conditions. The machine, which was purchased for the government hospital, had remained unused for an extended period, compelling patients to seek this test at private facilities.
 
Many economically disadvantaged patients previously struggled to afford MRI scans due to their prohibitive costs. They are now relieved to learn about the resumption of this service at the government hospital. 

The initiative to reactivate the machine was led by eminent cardiologist associate professor Dr. Ekram Hossain, upon his appointment as the hospital superintendent. He corresponded with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare multiple times regarding this issue. Subsequently, the chairman of the hospital management committee Abu Sufian, MP, also engaged with the ministry on this matter. Thanks to their efforts, the ministry implemented the necessary steps to recommence the machine's operation.
 
 An institution accredited by the Ministry of Health successfully reactivated the MRI machine on Wednesday after several days of resolving technical difficulties. 

Dr. Meenakshi Roy, assistant professor in the Department of Radiology and MRI Superintendent, managed the trial operations. 

Importantly, the hospital also initiated its kidney dialysis service last June, which is now available to regular patients. 

The MRI machine was purchased by Chattogram General Hospital in 2015. After a few years of use, the machine became nonfunctional due to mechanical fault, making it unusable for a long period. 

Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ekram Hossain told BSS that poor patients faced significantly due to the extended downtime of the MRI machine. This situation was troubling for me as well. The current government is sincerely dedicated to resolving the issue. Efforts to restore the machine's functionality were initiated only after I reached out to the ministry, he said.

Dr. Meenakshi said the tests such as for the brain, cervical spine, and shoulder joint will now be conducted at the hospital. 

Abdul Mannan, a member of the hospital management committee said, “We’re giving priority to timely and appropriate services. It is crucial for a government hospital to have modern medical and diagnostic facilities.”
 
He said, “Our goal is to ensure that all equipment in the hospital is operational, allowing individuals to receive high-quality care from government facilities."
 
Dr. Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, the Divisional Director of Health told the MRI machine at the General Hospital will alleviate some burden at the Medical College Hospital in Chattogram.
 
When asked why equipment frequently turns inoperative in government hospitals, he responded saying the load of patients in government hospitals is consistently high, which makes it difficult for them to handle the demand. 

Furthermore, when a machine breaks down, we are unable to immediately call an engineer or technician for repairs due to government regulations. We must notify the National Electro-Medical Equipment Maintenance Workshop and Training Center (NIMO), and they respond according to established protocols, which lead to significant delays, he said.