KMC Hospital Mangalore inaugurates the renovated department, newly installed 128-Slice CT Scanner and Advanced Mammography
Mangalore: KMC Hospital Mangalore inaugurated its newly renovated Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences on Wednesday, April 1, featuring a state-of-the-art 128-slice CT Scanner and an advanced Mammography unit. Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), presided over the inauguration. The upgraded facility consolidates advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, and integrated services under one roof, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving patient care, and expediting clinical decision-making.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Ballal, a radiologist himself, reflected on the department’s evolution, stating, “This department has a long-standing legacy, and as a radiologist, I had the opportunity to be part of its early journey nearly three decades ago. Over the years, it has evolved from modest beginnings into a highly advanced radiodiagnosis facility. This transformation reflects our commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and delivering high standards of patient care. The integration of modern imaging modalities will further strengthen early diagnosis and clinical outcomes.”
Dr. Santhosh Rai, Head of Radiology, emphasized the significance of the renovation. “This renovation marks a significant step forward in delivering precise, timely, and patient-centric diagnostic services,” he said. “By combining advanced technology with specialized expertise, we are better positioned to support clinicians and improve patient outcomes through early and accurate diagnosis.”
The upgraded facility now houses a comprehensive suite of high-end imaging equipment, including a 1.5T MRI, the newly installed 128-slice CT scanner, an advanced mammography unit, digital X-ray, ultrasound, Doppler, fetal medicine capabilities, and interventional radiology services—all within a single, dedicated department. This integration facilitates faster diagnosis and seamless, coordinated patient care, as experienced technicians and radiologists support the service. Experienced female radiologists further strengthen breast imaging and women’s health imaging services. The department delivers round-the-clock imaging services, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A key focus of the upgraded department is the promotion of early disease detection. Dr. Rai highlighted the importance of mammography screening, stating that regular screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 25–30% in women over 40 years of age. The cutting-edge CT technology also enables early screening for heart disease through coronary artery calcium scoring and CT coronary angiography, aiding in the identification of early plaque build-up in the coronary arteries.
The department also stressed the economic benefits of preventive imaging and early diagnosis. Delayed detection often leads to more complex treatments, longer hospital stays, and significantly higher healthcare expenses, whereas timely imaging enables simpler treatments, lower overall costs, and better long-term health outcomes. This underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic care.
Mr. Pramod Kunder, Cluster Director, added, “The upgraded radiodiagnosis department reflects our continued commitment to investing in world-class infrastructure and strengthening healthcare delivery. This integrated facility will play a vital role in enhancing patient care, improving efficiency, and supporting preventive healthcare. Our patient-centric services, such as Sunday OPD, Evening OPD, and Emergency Medicine, will benefit from the 24/7 scanning & reporting service. It has been our utmost focus to advance diagnostic excellence and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.”
The inauguration of the renovated department and the installation of the new imaging technologies represent KMC Hospital Mangalore’s significant investment in enhancing its diagnostic capabilities and providing the highest quality of care to its patients.
