Air Marshal S Shrinivas Inaugurates 3-Tesla MRI Centre, HDR Brachytherapy System at CHAFB Bangalore

Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) expanded its specialist medical capabilities on August 18, 2026, with the commissioning of two advanced treatment facilities: a 3-Tesla MRI system and an Iridium-192 High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy unit. Air Marshal S Shrinivas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, inaugurated the new MRI system, while the brachytherapy facility was commissioned by Mrs Sunita Shrinivas, President, Air Force Families Welfare Association (Regional), Training Command, Indian Air Force.

The newly installed Philips Ingenia Elition X 3-Tesla MRI system is intended to significantly strengthen diagnostic imaging at the hospital. With higher-resolution imaging and improved precision, the system is expected to aid the assessment of complex medical conditions and support more comprehensive patient care. For CHAFB, the upgrade adds a modern imaging platform to its diagnostic infrastructure and expands access to advanced technology for personnel and beneficiaries of the Armed Forces medical system.

Alongside the imaging upgrade, the hospital also brought into service the Iridium-192 HDR Brachytherapy system, a specialised cancer-care technology designed to improve the delivery of radiation treatment. HDR brachytherapy allows radiation to be administered with greater accuracy to targeted tumour sites, while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The new system is expected to strengthen CHAFB’s oncology services and broaden access to advanced, precise radiation therapy for patients.

CHAFB said the commissioning of both facilities represents an important step in modernising its medical infrastructure and incorporating emerging technologies into military healthcare. The additions are aimed at improving both diagnostic and treatment capabilities within the hospital, particularly in areas where precision and specialised care are critical.

The developments also align with the broader emphasis of the Armed Forces Medical Services on clinical excellence, advanced diagnostics and technology-enabled treatment. By adding the MRI and brachytherapy systems, CHAFB has further strengthened its role in providing comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare to the Armed Forces community it serves.