The Province of Bulacan has inaugurated the Philippines’ first locally funded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility—developed by Time Medical International Ventures (India), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fischer Medical Ventures, a US-FDA-registered and CE-marked global leader in diagnostic imaging.   

The new open MRI system, installed at the Bulacan Medical Centre and marketed locally by Time Medical Philippines, sets a national benchmark for LGU-led healthcare innovation and represents a pivotal step toward universal and equitable healthcare across the country.

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando said, “Ideally, every tertiary-level hospital should have an MRI for diagnostics.  For years, people have to travel far and spend more just to get the scans they need. Now, Bulakenyos can access world-class diagnostic services right here in our province— safely and affordably.”

Ravindran Govindan, Chairman & MD of Fischer Medical Ventures, reaffirmed the company’s mission “to make medical imaging accessible to every population, not just in major cities.”

“With Bulacan taking the lead, we hope other LGUs will follow suit and make advanced diagnostics part of every Filipino’s right to healthcare,” he added.

The installed system—Time Medical’s PICA Open MRI—is designed specifically for patient comfort and practicality in local settings. Its open architecture reduces anxiety for claustrophobic, elderly and pediatric patients, while its helium-free, permanent magnet technology makes it more cost-efficient, low- maintenance and power-stable, particularly suited for provincial hospitals. For better comfort, the patient can be accompanied by a loved one while having the procedure.

In addition, the MRI’s built-in Teleradiology feature allows radiologists to interpret scan results remotely and in real time, ensuring faster turnaround and expanding access to medical expertise even in remote areas.