AIIMS and SAMEER Forge Partnership for MRI Innovation
The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing research in medical devices. This collaboration, announced on the 32nd Foundation Day of the Department of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) at AIIMS, focuses on developing cutting-edge Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems and enhancing medical applications through innovative technologies.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The MoU outlines five critical areas where SAMEER and AIIMS will work together to push the boundaries of medical technology. The first area is collaborative research in medical device development, which aims to create advanced tools for healthcare. The second focus is on the clinical validation of an indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system developed by SAMEER in Mumbai, ensuring that the technology meets rigorous medical standards.
Additionally, the partnership will explore the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for image enhancement and accelerated imaging processes. This approach aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in medical imaging. Another key area is the design and development of subsystems for both high and low field MRI scanners, which are essential for various medical applications. Lastly, the collaboration will also focus on developing radio frequency subsystems specifically for high field animal MRI scanners, further expanding the scope of research and application in veterinary medicine.
Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance in MRI Technology
The initiative is part of India’s broader mission to achieve self-reliance in MRI technology, known as Indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI). Sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this national mission is being implemented by SAMEER, with support from various collaborating agencies. The goal is to design, develop, and test an indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system for medical imaging.
Significant progress has already been made, including the development and testing of various subsystems such as RF power amplifiers, RF coils, and control units. Animal trials have been successfully completed, and the indigenous 1.5 Tesla magnet, along with its superconducting components, is currently undergoing final cryotesting. The MoU with AIIMS is expected to facilitate clinical validation, marking a crucial step in India’s journey toward self-sufficiency in MRI technology.
Voices from the Inaugural Ceremony
During the signing ceremony, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, emphasized the importance of collaboration between clinicians and scientists to enhance the development of medical devices. He expressed AIIMS’s commitment to supporting this initiative. Smt. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator for R&D at MeitY, highlighted the need for co-creation in developing affordable and indigenous health solutions that can meet both domestic and global demands. Shri Abhishek Singh, IAS, Additional Secretary at MeitY, noted that this partnership will significantly contribute to the medical device ecosystem in India. He shared insights on the country’s readiness to embrace artificial intelligence in healthcare. Dr. PH Rao, Director General of SAMEER, provided an overview of the ongoing research activities at SAMEER, underscoring the vital role of clinicians in the development of medical devices. The MoU was signed in the presence of several dignitaries, including Shri Rajesh Harsh, Programme Director at SAMEER, and Prof. Rama Jayasundar, Head of the Department of NMR at AIIMS, among others. This partnership marks a promising step forward in the realm of medical technology in India.
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