Pu k. Sapdanga inaugurates mri machine and other medical equipment at aizawl civil hospital

An inaugural programme for the MRI machine and other essential medical equipment at Aizawl Civil Hospital, undertaken under the initiative of Aizawl Smart City Limited, Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department, was held today. The event was graced by Pu K. Sapdanga, Hon’ble Minister for UD&PA, and held at the Conference Hall of Aizawl Civil Hospital. Pi Lalrinpuii, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, also attended the programme, which was chaired by Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary, UD&PA Department. The equipment, funded under the Aizawl Smart City Limited project, was formally handed over to Aizawl Civil Hospital by Pu K. Sapdanga, UD&PA Minister.

In his address, the Minister highlighted that such medical support is especially crucial for the people of Mizoram, particularly the poor and underprivileged. He emphasized that the installation of the MRI machine at Civil Hospital represents a significant advancement and would greatly benefit the public. He further added that despite having highly qualified Mizo doctors, their skills and knowledge are often underutilized due to the lack of adequate equipment. With the availability of these new machines, he believes patients will no longer need to rely on outside services and that medical personnel will be better empowered to perform diagnoses. He also stressed the importance of MRI and other machines in improving patient care and called for their proper and continued usage. Guest of Honour Pi Lalrinpuii, Hon’ble Minister for H&FW, expressed appreciation for the Smart City initiative and said that fruitful collaboration among various departments had made this possible. She noted the importance of public hospitals in serving the poor and reiterated the Mizoram Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure. She mentioned the ongoing improvements in PHCs and CHCs, the creation of 13 additional ICU beds at ZMC, plans to establish 5 ICU beds each at Siaha, Lunglei, and Champhai, and the possibility of performing kidney transplants in the near future.

A project report was also presented by Pu C.C. Lalchhuangkima, CEO of Aizawl Smart City Limited. He stated that the newly installed MRI machine, manufactured by the German company Siemens Healthineers, cost ₹8.72 crore. The company has signed a 10-year service agreement to ensure long-term support and maintenance. In addition to the MRI, the Smart City project has also provided 24 other types of medical equipment to Aizawl Civil Hospital. Dr. Lalchhuankimi, Senior Medical Superintendent, gave a detailed briefing on the functions and utility of the equipment, which includes tools for diagnosing a wide range of diseases and serious injuries, including diabetes-related blindness. Dr. ST. Lalruatfela, Additional Director, Directorate of Hospital & Medical Education, expressed his gratitude and urged the public, especially the poor and underprivileged, to make full use of the new facilities. As part of the Smart City initiative, eight ambulances have also been provided to various government and private hospitals. Moreover, a Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Plant worth ₹801.15 lakh has been completed at Tuirial and has been operational since April 2025.