J&K to get 275 handheld X-ray machines, 9 MRI units and 4 mammography systems under PM’s Fund

MoU signed with Union Health Ministry; advanced diagnostic equipment to strengthen public healthcare, expand AI-based TB screening and breast cancer detection across Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, July 2: Jammu & Kashmir is set to receive a major boost to its public healthcare infrastructure with the Government of India allocating 275 AI-enabled portable handheld X-ray machines, nine 1.5 Tesla MRI units and four digital mammography units under the Prime Minister’s Fund.

The allocation follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for implementation of the project, under which the advanced diagnostic equipment will be installed in selected government health institutions across the Union Territory.

According to an official statement, the initiative aims to strengthen diagnostic services, facilitate early disease detection, expand breast cancer screening and support artificial intelligence-enabled tuberculosis screening, particularly in underserved areas.

The Government of India, through its designated agencies, will undertake the procurement, installation and commissioning of the equipment, with supplies expected to begin in the coming months.

The Health & Medical Education Department will be responsible for ensuring site readiness, deployment of the required manpower and timely operationalisation of the facilities so that the new diagnostic services become available to patients across Jammu & Kashmir at the earliest.

Officials said the allocation is the result of sustained efforts by the Health & Medical Education Department to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to advanced diagnostic facilities throughout the Union Territory.

The statement added that Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has been closely monitoring health sector reforms, with a focus on modernising healthcare infrastructure, strengthening public health institutions, improving diagnostic capabilities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across Jammu & Kashmir.

Once operational, the new diagnostic equipment is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of government hospitals, reduce the need for patient referrals to higher centres, facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and improve overall healthcare outcomes across the Union Territory.