Radiology Services at MGMMCH Face Suspension as Contract Ends

Radiology services at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College Hospital (MGMMCH) in Jamshedpur may soon be suspended as the contract with private agency Health Map approaches its expiration date. This development follows the cessation of pathology services in 20 districts, which were also provided under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Officials announced this situation on Sunday, highlighting potential disruptions to essential diagnostic services.

The contract with Health Map for providing CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasonography services expired on November 15, 2025, with a two-month extension set to conclude on December 31, 2025. In a letter issued by the Jharkhand Medical and Health Infrastructure Development and Procurement Corporation Ltd (JMHIDPCL), it was stated that once this extension ends, all radiology services under the PPP arrangement will be considered expired.

MGMMCH currently relies on Health Map for its CT scan services, as the hospital does not possess its own CT scan facilities. While it has X-ray and ultrasonography capabilities, the absence of a CT scanner poses a significant challenge for patient care. Similarly, Jamshedpur Sadar Hospital (JSH) has an X-ray facility but relies on Health Map for ultrasonography services.

Patients utilizing Health Map’s services benefit from reduced costs, with CT scans priced between ₹1,035 and ₹5,175. In contrast, private centers typically charge between ₹2,200 and ₹8,000 for similar procedures. This price difference highlights the importance of Health Map’s services, particularly for poorer and middle-class patients who may struggle to afford higher private rates.

Dr. RK Mandhan, superintendent of MGMMCH, confirmed on Sunday that the hospital is actively working to ensure continuity of care. “The contract agreement of the Health Map company is about to expire. A letter has been sent to the state health department in this regard, and guidelines have been sought. Our priority is to ensure that patients don’t face any problems,” he stated. Ongoing efforts to install CT and MRI machines are underway, with the construction of necessary platforms in designated rooms. The purchasing process facilitated by JMHIDPCL is also in progress, and installation will occur once the machines arrive.

It is noteworthy that pathology services at MGMMCH are already experiencing difficulties following the end of the contract with Medall Company. The hospital management is now in the final stages of establishing its centralized pathology laboratory, aiming to restore comprehensive diagnostic services.

As the deadline approaches, the future of radiology services at MGMMCH remains uncertain, raising concerns about access to essential healthcare for the local population.