RIMS Imphal has inaugurated Manipur's first 3D Digital Mammography Machine with Tomosynthesis, enhancing early breast cancer detection services.
Imphal, June 22: The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, on Monday inaugurated Manipur's first Digital Mammography Machine equipped with 3D Tomosynthesis technology, a development expected to strengthen breast cancer screening and early detection services in the state.
The advanced imaging system was inaugurated at the Department of Radiodiagnosis by RIMS Director Prof. G. Sunilkumar Sharma in the presence of Medical Superintendent Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Dean (Academics) Prof. L. Rajesh Singh, and Prof. S. Subhaschandra Singh, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiodiagnosis.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sunilkumar Sharma described the installation of the machine as a major milestone for healthcare in Manipur. He said the facility is the first of its kind in the state and only the third such installation in the Northeast region.
According to RIMS, the Digital Mammography Machine is equipped with advanced 3D Tomosynthesis technology, which provides detailed breast imaging and helps in the early detection of breast cancer. The technology is designed to improve diagnostic accuracy by producing multiple images of breast tissue from different angles, allowing doctors to identify abnormalities more effectively.
Prof. Sharma said the introduction of the system would significantly improve patient care while also contributing to medical education and research activities at the institute. He noted that early diagnosis remains one of the most important factors in improving treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients.
In a move aimed at making the service accessible to a wider section of the population, the RIMS Director announced that mammography services would be available at an affordable cost of around ?300.
Healthcare experts have consistently emphasised the importance of regular screening and timely diagnosis in reducing breast cancer-related mortality. The availability of advanced mammography services within the state is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel outside Manipur for specialised breast imaging.
The newly installed system is expected to strengthen breast imaging services at RIMS, one of the premier healthcare and medical education institutions in the Northeast.
Prof. Sharma also outlined plans for further expansion of healthcare infrastructure at the institute. He announced that RIMS intends to install a Biplane Interventional Radiology System and establish a NIDA Department during the 2026-27 financial year.
Officials said the addition of new technologies is part of the institute's ongoing efforts to enhance diagnostic and treatment facilities and improve healthcare delivery in the region.
The inauguration programme was attended by the Deputy Director (Administration), Heads of Departments, the Chief Administrative Officer, Financial Advisor, faculty members, nursing officers, resident doctors, students and other staff members of the institute.
With the commissioning of the 3D Digital Mammography Machine, RIMS has expanded its diagnostic capabilities and taken a significant step towards strengthening women's healthcare services in Manipur.
