PAKISTAN is making steady progress in expanding healthcare services, but one important issue deserves urgent public attention: the procurement of diagnostic medical imaging equipment for all types of hospitals in the country. It is a common practice that many public and private healthcare facilities continue to purchase used or refurbished X-ray, CT scan, MRI and mammography units. Although these machines may cost less initially, the long-term implications for patient safety, diagnostic accuracy, maintenance costs and clinical reliability cannot be ignored.

Medical diagnostic imaging technology has advanced significantly. New systems produce high-quality images with reduced radiation exposure. They are also generally more reliable and efficient. While re-

furbished equipment can be appropriate in some circumstances, procurement policies for high-volume teaching hospitals, institutions and diagnostic centres should place greater emphasis on acquiring new equipment.

Healthcare is not an area where compro-mises should be made. Ethically, every patient deserves the highest standard of medical care, and every physician deserves dependable technology to make accurate clinical decisions. Investing in modern medical imaging equipment is not just a financial decision; it is an investment in public health and patient safety.

The regulatory authorities concerned should review procurement policies for diagnostic imaging equipment used. And the National guidelines should prioritise patient safety and equipment quality.

Syed Ejaz Gillani
Winnipeg, Canada

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026