First locally made advanced X-ray machine unveiled

Upgraded Flat Panel Digital Radiography system is designed and assembled entirely by Pakistani engineers

The country’s first locally manufactured advanced X-ray machine was unveiled at the 22nd Health Asia International Exhibition and Conference in Karachi on Thursday.

According to Muhammad Rafiq, Director of Rays Medical World, the firm had earlier produced basic X-ray machines that were installed in several hospitals across Pakistan. The latest model, however, is an upgraded FDR (Flat Panel Digital Radiography) system which is designed and assembled entirely by Pakistani engineers using local resources.

“An imported advanced X-ray machine costs around Rs15 million, but it is priced at Rs4 million. The Chughtai Lab, Kutiyana Memon Hospital use these versions,” Rafiq told The Express Tribune. “Our model costs significantly less than imported machines, making advanced radiography more accessible for local hospitals,” he said, adding the company also plans to export the device in the near future.

“The purpose of our new design is to make the machine moveable so that a single FDR can be used for both chest and other types of X-rays. It’s a fully digital model that can even be operated through a mobile phone," explained Rafiq.

The event was inaugurated by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and drew a large number of government officials, healthcare professionals, industrial experts, and foreign delegates.

“Events like Health Asia reflect the growing potential of Pakistan’s healthcare and medical technology sectors,” said Kamal. “Such exhibitions should be held more frequently to strengthen the country’s healthcare system on modern lines,” he added.