Market Trends of India Magnetic Resonance Imaging Industry
Very High Field MRI Systems are Expected to Witness Strong Growth
- The field strength of an MRI scanner is measured in Tesla or "T." When the field strength of the scanner is 7T or higher, it is referred to as a 'Very high-field' or 'Ultra high field MRI'. The ability to enhance the spatial resolution at which data is captured while maintaining picture quality is a fundamental benefit of ultra-high field MRI. This opens possibilities for neuroscience, especially as a crucial tool for research into psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and mild traumatic brain injury, thereby contributing to the growth of the ultra high field MRI market.
- Moreover, other factors, such as the rising burden of chronic disorders and technological advancement, are expected to further boost market growth. According to a study published by ETHealthworld.com in June 2022, approximately 28,000 cases of brain tumors are reported in India every year. This high prevalence of brain tumors is expected to increase the demand for early cancer diagnosis and drive the growth of the high field MRI market in India, as this type of MRI is widely used for neurological diagnostic purposes.
- In addition, numerous advantages, including higher-resolution images and greater accuracy in diagnosing certain medical conditions, are contributing to the growth of this segment in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) market. Furthermore, the faster imaging time, the ability to capture high-quality images of soft tissues and vital organs, and the positional advantage offered by open MRI systems—allowing patients to keep their head outside during certain scans—have been instrumental for the growth of this segment during the study period.
Oncology Segment is Anticipated to Grow with a Significant Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a vital tool for cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing detailed images of internal structures to identify and evaluate tumors and abnormalities in soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels.
- The oncology segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of cancer in India is the primary factor for this substantial growth. For instance, according to an article published by the Indian Journal of Medical Research in November 2022, the estimated number of cancer cases was 14,61,427 in 2022 in India. Also, it was reported that lung and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer in males and females, respectively. This surge necessitates advanced diagnostic imaging techniques like MRI.
- According to the same source, approximately 0.28 million cancer cases were reported in 2022 for digestive systems in India. This high burden of cancer is anticipated to raise the demand and adoption of magnetic resonance imaging systems and, hence, fuel segmental growth.
- Apart from this, increasing initiatives by the government and private organizations for promoting cancer awareness in India are also fueling the demand for MRI in India for early diagnosis and interventions. For instance, on 7th November each year, the Union Health Ministry organizes National Cancer Awareness Day with the aim of offering free cancer screening for Indians.
- Also, in February 2023, the Indian Cancer Society launched a month-long campaign to create awareness about cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early cancer detection in India. This is, in turn, increasing the adoption rate of medical diagnostic equipment such as MRI instruments and supporting the growth of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) market.