Affordable Diagnostics for All: State-of-the-Art Radiology Unit Launched in Alappuzha

A newly launched radiology unit at Alappuzha General Hospital in Kerala offers MRI and CT scans at concessional rates, with an MRI scan costing ₹2,500 and a CT scan costing ₹1,300, compared to ₹6,000 and ₹3,000 respectively at private centers. X-rays are available for ₹100. The hospital also has a mammography facility and modern OPG and ultrasound machines.

The newly launched Radiology unit at Alappuzha General Hospital in Kerala has been making waves in the healthcare sector by offering modern diagnostic services at significantly lower rates compared to private centers. The unit, which opened seven months ago, has seen a substantial influx of patients seeking MRI, CT scans, X-rays, mammograms, and other diagnostic services.

MRI and CT Scans at Concessional Rates

Among the services offered, MRI and CT scans are particularly noteworthy. The unit has performed 450 MRI scans and 3,150 CT scans at a fraction of the cost charged by private centers. While an MRI scan typically costs ₹6,000 at private hospitals, the Alappuzha General Hospital offers it for ₹2,500. Similarly, a CT scan, which can cost ₹3,000 at private clinics, is available at the hospital for ₹1,300. These reduced rates are part of the state government's efforts to provide affordable healthcare to the public [1].

X-rays and Mammograms

The unit also provides X-rays at a highly subsidized rate of ₹100, benefiting 32,000 patients in the past seven months. Additionally, the hospital has installed a mammography facility to detect breast cancer early, with mammograms costing ₹600 for regular patients and ₹100 for BPL patients, a stark contrast to the ₹1,500 charged by private clinics [1].

Advanced Facilities and Technology

The state-of-the-art facilities at the Alappuzha General Hospital include a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Sempra MRI machine, a Siemens 16-slice Somatom Go Now CT scanner, a mammography machine, a modern OPG machine, and an ultrasound machine. These advanced machines are equipped with AI technology, ensuring high-quality diagnostics. The total cost of installing these facilities amounted to ₹20 crore, with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board contributing ₹117 crore for the hospital's construction [1].

Accessibility and Availability

The radiology unit operates 24 hours a day for X-ray and CT scan services, with MRI scans available for booking between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The unit can perform up to eight MRI scans a day and ensures non-emergency scans are completed within two days of booking. The phone number for booking is 0477-2233006 [1].

Conclusion

The Alappuzha General Hospital's Radiology unit is a significant step forward in providing accessible and affordable healthcare services in Kerala. By offering advanced diagnostic services at highly subsidized rates, the hospital is helping to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, ensuring that everyone has access to quality medical care.

References
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/state-of-the-art-radiology-unit-brings-affordable-diagnostics-to-alappuzha/article69919855.ece