In a significant step towards enhancing India’s self-reliance in medical technology, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on medical device development. The MoU was signed on the 32nd Foundation Day of the Department of NMR, AIIMS, marking a new era of indigenous innovation in medical imaging and healthcare technology.
The agreement aims to foster advancements in high-field and low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) systems, alongside promoting research in Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave technology for medical applications.
The collaboration encompasses five key focus areas:
- Collaborative Research in Medical Devices Development
- Clinical Validation of the Indigenous 1.5 T MRI System developed by SAMEER, Mumbai
- Research in AI/ML for Image Enhancement and Accelerated Imaging
- Design and Development of Subsystems for High/Low Field MRI Scanners
- Development of RF Subsystems for High Field Animal MRI Scanners
Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance in MRI Technology
The collaboration is aligned with the Indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI) – A National Mission, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). SAMEER, Mumbai, serves as the nodal agency for the project, working in partnership with C-DAC (Trivandrum), C-DAC (Kolkata), IUAC (New Delhi), and DSI-MIRC (Bangalore). The objective of the mission is to design, develop, and test an indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system for medical imaging.
Progress under the IMRI mission has been remarkable, with successful development and testing of key subsystems such as the RF Power Amplifier, high-power T/R switch, RF spectrometer, RF coils, receiver front ends, control unit, patient couch, and IMRI software. These components have been integrated with a procured magnet, gradient coil, and gradient amplifier, with animal trials already concluded. The indigenous development of a 1.5 Tesla magnet, including superconducting components, a quench protection system, helium cryostat, and other control electronics, has been completed. The magnet has been ramped up to 1.5 Tesla, and final cryotesting is currently underway.
To further the initiative, seven companies have been engaged through an Expression of Interest (EoI) process to advance these developments. The newly signed MoU with AIIMS will play a pivotal role in the clinical validation of these technologies, serving as a catalyst for India’s goal of becoming self-sufficient in MRI technology.
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Key Stakeholder Remarks
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, underscored the importance of highlighting India’s growing capabilities in medical technology. He emphasized the need for clinicians to collaborate closely with scientists to develop advanced medical devices, offering full support from AIIMS.
Smt. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator R&D, MeitY, stressed the importance of co-creation in medical technology, stating, “India must take a big leap in developing frugal and indigenous health solutions, including medical devices, to not just meet domestic demand but also to serve the next billion.”
Shri Abhishek Singh, IAS, Additional Secretary, MeitY, highlighted the MoU’s significance in strengthening India’s medical device ecosystem. He remarked, “This partnership will enable the growth of the medical device industry in the country.” He also shared India’s preparedness in embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and the AI Mission’s focus on healthcare, endorsing SAMEER’s potential to develop indigenous medical devices in collaboration with AIIMS.
Dr. P.H. Rao, Director General, SAMEER, detailed the ongoing research at SAMEER, including advancements in MRI, Linear Accelerators (LINAC), and X-ray-based blood irradiators. He acknowledged the crucial role of clinicians in medical device development.
The MoU signing was attended by Shri Abhishek Singh, IAS, Additional Secretary, MeitY; Smt. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator & Scientist-G, MeitY; Shri Rajesh Harsh, Programme Director, SAMEER; Shri Jay Verdhan Tiwari, Scientist-E, MeitY; and Prof. Rama Jayasundar, Head of the Department of NMR, AIIMS, New Delhi, along with other dignitaries.
This strategic collaboration between AIIMS and SAMEER marks a transformative step in India’s journey toward indigenous innovation in medical technology. With clinical validation on the horizon, the partnership is set to drive advancements in medical imaging, making cutting-edge healthcare technology accessible and affordable for millions.
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