Friday Nov 13, 2026
Friday Nov 13, 2026
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By Uma Chandrasiri
Setting a new standard in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector, Hemas Hospitals Thalawathugoda launched their latest MRI machine with Siemens Healthineers Magnetom Sola 1.5T technology, integrated with Deep Resolve Artificial Intelligence image reconstruction, on 21 October.
This latest, high-end technology is expected to set a national standard for diagnostic imaging speed and accuracy, with sharper images, significantly faster scans, a much quieter (with 70% less scanner noise) and a far more comfortable experience for patients.
Considered a global benchmark in advanced, patient-centric MRI imaging, the Deep Resolve technology uses Artificial Intelligence during image reconstruction to generate images with higher resolution in shorter durations. According to Siemens Healthineers, a brain scan using Deep Resolve, can be performed in half the time taken by a conventional MRI machine while achieving twice the resolution. A complete knee examination is expected to take three minutes of scan time and certain examinations of the bile duct, a mere 13 seconds. Shorter scan times will bring significant benefits for elderly patients, children as well as those battling conditions such as anxiety and claustrophobia.
Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain Director/ General Manager Dr. Pradeep Edward acknowledged the unveiling of the new MRI as a remarkable and memorable event, not only for the Hemas Capital hospital chain but for the entire healthcare sector of the country. Taking the audience back in time, Dr. Edward reminisced that the concept of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was introduced for the first time in the world, in 1946 by physicists Felix Bloch and Edward Purcell who discovered the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei. The very first full-body, human Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) scan was conducted in 1977 and the first clinical MRI done in 1980.
“Technology has progressed fast from that point onwards and what sets this latest development in MRI technology apart, is not merely its capabilities but what the overall experience means for a patient. It enables us to combine highly advanced and precision imaging with faster examinations and a much more comfortable customer experience. We will keep the pricing also at the current level for the time being,” he added.
Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain Managing Director Dr. Lakith Peiris stated that Hemas was proud to introduce the worlds’ best and most technologically advanced MRI system to Sri Lanka. “In terms of scan speed, clarity and patient safety, this latest technology has set a benchmark in Sri Lanka. Hemas Hospitals has launched an expansion plan and the broadening of our clinical program while maintaining excellence in tertiary care with AI assisted cardiac care, radiology and orthopedics, with the aim of creating a healthier nation. Our ambition is for our patients to have access to the same level of healthcare technology and clinical capabilities offered internationally.”
Hemas Hospitals and Laboratory Chain Director - Medical Services and Quality Dr. Malith Atapattu added that the purchase of this new and state-of-the-art MRI machine from Siemens, considered the worlds’ foremost provider renowned for the precision and consistency of their technology, was a move towards the expansion of the hospitals’ clinical program. “This machine will cater to each patient's cardiac, respiratory and body mass requirements with advanced clinical excellence.”
Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC Executive Director Wijith Pushpawela focused on the scan speed of their Siemens MRI machine by stating that time taken for a scan will be reduced by approximately 65%, compared to a conventional MRI scanner. “The authentic AI powered MRI technology is now available for the first time in Sri Lanka,” he added.
– Pix by Shehan Gunasekera
