Meet Pakistan's homemade X-ray machine

Company plans to export, says director at expo

KARACHI:

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 the company's director, Muhammad Rafiq, 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 can cost Rs15 million, but this one sits at Rs4 million. The earlier version was ten million rupees cheaper. 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 that the company also plans to export the device in the near future. The firm started manufacturing four years ago. This machine can also plug into a mobile phone.

The event was inaugurated by Federal 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."