3rd April 2025, Kathmandu
Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Maharajgunj has installed a state-of-the-art 3 Tesla MRI machine with Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.
TUTH Nepal AI-Powered 3 Tesla MRI
The hospital purchased the machine from United Imaging Healthcare, China. It is currently in the testing phase and will be available to the public after the official launch in a few days.
Faster and Clearer MRI Scans
The 3 Tesla MRI offers faster scanning and sharper images than older models. It helps doctors detect diseases earlier and with greater accuracy. Compared to the hospital’s previous 0.3 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, this new model provides better image clarity and reduces scan time.
Dr. Ghanshyam Gurung, Head of the Radiology Department at TUTH, stated that the machine has been undergoing trials for a month. He emphasized the importance of training for technicians and doctors to operate the new technology effectively. “The machine is working well in the testing phase. Since it is AI-powered, the medical team needs to be familiar with its features and results,” he said.
Better Access to Affordable MRI Scans
Government hospitals in Nepal have limited high-end MRI machines. Only a few private hospitals in Kathmandu offer 3 Tesla MRI services, often at a higher cost.
The hospital has not yet set the official pricing for MRI scans. However, officials confirmed that TUTH will offer the service at a lower cost than private hospitals. The expected price difference could be around two to four thousand rupees.
TUTH had planned to acquire a 3 Tesla MRI for several years. However, budget limitations delayed the purchase. This year, the hospital finally bought the machine for NPR 200 million (20 crore).
Improved Diagnosis for Critical Illnesses
Dr. Sharma Paudel, a radiologist at TUTH, explained that the 3 Tesla MRI would improve disease detection. “With this machine, diagnosing conditions like cancer and other serious illnesses will become easier and more accurate,” he said. The hospital also plans to use advanced diagnostic techniques with the new machine.
Dr. Hari Ram Dawadi, a biomedical engineer and project manager at Meta Health Care, highlighted its efficiency. The AI-powered system ensures faster scans and clearer images, allowing doctors to examine more patients in less time.
World-Class AI Technology
Bhupendra Kumar, Product Manager at United Imaging Healthcare, New Delhi, described the 3 Tesla MRI as one of the fastest scanning machines globally. “It completes a full-body scan in just 100 seconds, making it a fifth-generation acceleration MRI,” he claimed.
Another key feature is its AI-based remote operation. Experts from anywhere in the world can monitor, troubleshoot, and fix issues without being physically present. This makes the machine more reliable and efficient.
A Step Forward in Healthcare
The installation of this advanced MRI marks a major milestone for TUTH and Nepal’s healthcare system. Patients will now have access to affordable, high-quality diagnostic services. With this upgrade, TUTH continues to bring modern medical technology to the people of Nepal.
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