‘Refurbished MRI systems fulfil the need for high quality upgraded scanning system at affordable prices’

Dr Deepak Patkar, Head – Department of Imaging, Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital speaks on the advantages and disadvantages of using refurbished equipment at their hospital

Tell us something about your journey in the radiology business?

After finishing my MD Radiology and DMRD from Nair Hospital and TN Medical College (Mumbai), I trained in advanced radiology at Guy’s Hospital, London. Presently, I am the Head of Imaging Department at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital, Mumbai. I am also a non-working shareholder in a few diagnostic centres in Navi-Mumbai, Pune and Nashik.

I am also the Director of Telediagnosys Services, dealing in teleradiology with clients in US, Africa and Middle East. I have over 150 publications in various national and international journals. I am also the present Chairman of the Indian College of Radiology. I have been a postgraduate teacher for CPS and DNB radiology since the past 14 years.

What is the model you have chosen to provide quality diagnosis?

Quality diagnosis in radiology depends on two important factors; one is quality images and the second is expertise of the reporting radiologist. Out of these acquiring optimal quality images is of prime importance, as the diagnosis cannot be made unless artefact free proper images are acquired. Radiology is one of the most rapidly evolving branches of medicine. One has to always keep their knowledge as well as machineries updated to cope with these advances. We have always ensured this as a part of our model in radiology practise by choosing high-end, latest MRI, CT and ultrasound machines for our centres. There are various medical pathologies in which the diagnosis can only be made with application of advanced sequences like arterial spin labelling, diffusion tensor imaging, metal artefact reduction sequences, time resolved imaging of contrast kinetics etc. These sequences require minimum field strength of 1.5 Tesla and show significant improvement with higher field strengths. In all our apex centres we have installed 1.5T and 3.0Tesla MRI systems, minimum 16-slice CT scanners and ultrasound machines with good quality colour Doppler, 3D/4D facilities and with minimum four to five ultrasound probes of various frequency range. We take care of our reporting radiologist by means of stringent selection criteria, baseline training programmes and uniform and elaborated reporting format. We organise and encourage our radiologists to attend various national and international level conferences to update their knowledge.

What are the pros and cons of using refurbished equipment in a hospital?

There is rise and growth of this incredible market of high quality refurbished equipment. We have mainly used refurbished equipment in private diagnostic centres than hospitals. The biggest advantage of refurbished equipment is availability of optimal quality scanners at affordable price. During a troubling economy, all types of business and organisations suffer, including hospitals and medical facilities. Purchasing equipment is inevitable at times, especially if the current equipment is broken with no chance of repairs or replacements to save it. Instead of turning to buying new equipment, hospitals can choose to purchase refurbished MRI and CT scanners to lighten the financial burden. Even though having the most technologically advanced equipment is ideal, refurbished MRIs and CT scanners perform just as well, if not better, and produce the same results as brand new equipment. Even lease facilities are available with this equipment, which could be specifically useful for hospitals if they need the scanners on temporary basis.

The limitation with these systems may be that these might not be at par with the latest advanced scanners and sometimes software and hardware upgradation may be an issue. However, today with options like site planning, fresh factory painting, professional installation and comprehensive warranties along with software and hardware upgrades, refurbished MRI scanners are a good cost-effective alternative.

What are your parameterswhile choosing refurbished equipment?

For MRI we always prefer 1.5 Tesla and higher field strength magnets. For CT minimum of 16 slice scanners are preferred. We indent to buy these capital intensive MRI machines with latest and updated software, comprehensive warranties and optimal image acquisition.

How does refurbished MRI equipment support your business model?

Refurbished MRI systems are a boon to private diagnostic centres. They fulfil the need of high quality upgraded scanning system at affordable prices.

Does it help in increasing productivity of your department?

It surely does increase our productivity. These equipment are well covered with maintenance warranty and upgraded with latest software. Even one can plan of centre expansion by using two to three refurbished scanners rather than single new equipment at comparable expenses.

Which company provide you with these refurbished products?

For 1.5T MRI, we trust only Phantom Healthcare based in New Delhi.

Why did you choose to buy refurbished equipment from this particular company?

Phantom Healthcare has always provided best quality equipment at competitive prices. They have given us prompt and effective post purchase services and upgradations. Their engineers are technically qualified and installation quality is always superior.