The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER).

The collaboration aims to promote joint research and development in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) systems. The MoU was formalized during the 32nd Foundation Day of AIIMS’s Department of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

This strategic partnership will focus on developing and clinically validating an indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system, designed and developed by SAMEER, Mumbai, under the Indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI) national mission sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The collaboration will also include advanced research in artificial intelligence and machine learning for image enhancement, accelerated imaging, and the design and development of various MRI subsystems for both human and animal imaging.

Director of AIIMS New Delhi, M. Srinivas, highlighted the importance of showcasing the country's technological capabilities and stressed the need for strong collaboration between clinicians and scientists to create effective, cutting-edge medical devices. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator of R&D at MeitY, emphasized the role of co-creation in the development of affordable, indigenous healthcare solutions that not only meet India's needs but also cater to the global South and the next billion people.

Additional Secretary of MeitY, Abhishek Singh, stated that the agreement would strengthen the Indian medical device ecosystem and praised the initiative as a testament to the country’s readiness to embrace AI in healthcare. SAMEER Director General, P.H. Rao, elaborated on the organization’s various research activities, including its focus on developing MRI, LINAC, and X-ray-based blood irradiators.

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Abhishek Singh, Sunita Verma, SAMEER Programme Director Rajesh Harsh, MeitY Scientist E Jay Verdhan Tiwari, and Professor Rama Jayasundar, Head of the Department of NMR at AIIMS.

The partnership is poised to accelerate India's progress in developing indigenous and affordable MRI technology, marking a significant milestone in the nation's journey towards self-reliance in healthcare innovation.