Aizawl: For the first time in Aizawl’s history, Civil Hospital, established in 1896, now has its own MRI scanner. What began as a modest “Kuli Dispensary” with just a handful of beds is, for the first time, equipped with medical imaging technology, as a result of the Aizawl Smart City Limited initiative under the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department.
At an inaugural event held at the hospital’s conference hall, Urban Development Minister K. Sapdanga formally handed over the MRI machine and other essential diagnostic equipment to the Civil Hospital. Health Minister Lalrinpuii also attended the programme, which was chaired by UD&PA Secretary Lalmalsawma Pachuau.
Sapdanga called the addition of the MRI machine “a critical step forward” for the state, emphasising that it would greatly benefit the poor and underserved. “We have highly qualified Mizo doctors, but their potential has often gone untapped due to lack of modern equipment,” he said. “With these new facilities, patients will no longer need to travel outside for vital diagnostics.”
Minister Lalrinpuii highlighted inter-departmental cooperation behind the upgrade and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare, especially for the most vulnerable. She outlined ongoing efforts, including expanded ICU facilities at ZMC and future transplant services.
The MRI scanner, made by Siemens Healthineers, cost ₹8.72 crore and comes with a 10-year service agreement for maintenance. In addition to the MRI, 24 other medical devices were provided to Civil Hospital under the same project, said C.C. Lalchhuangkima, CEO of Aizawl Smart City Ltd.
Dr. Lalchhuankimi, Senior Medical Superintendent, detailed how the equipment will aid in diagnosing conditions such as diabetes-related blindness and various internal injuries. Dr. ST. Lalruatfela, Additional Director, urged the public, especially those with limited means, to take full advantage of the new services.
The Smart City initiative also includes eight ambulances distributed to hospitals and a Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment Plant worth ₹8.01 crore at Tuirial, operational since April 2025. So far, 184 patients have been tested with the MRI machine, with bookings ongoing through July.
As the state rolls out a new cashless healthcare scheme—largely rejected by most private hospitals—it has assured the public that efforts are underway to improve manpower and infrastructure across government health facilities.