A state-of-the-art mobile MRI, unique in Romania and Europe, was commissioned on Thursday at the "Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu" Clinical Emergency Hospital in Iasi, in the presence of Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete.
This cutting-edge magnetic resonance equipment represents an essential technology for critical patients, particularly those in intensive care. It enables investigations to be performed directly in operating rooms and intensive care units, eliminating the need to transport vulnerable patients through the hospital and significantly enhancing their safety.
"Today we are witnessing what I would call a historic moment for Romanian hospitals and healthcare. The first portable MRI in Romania has been put into operation here, and it is also the first portable MRI in Europe to be used for medical purposes. While three similar devices exist in Germany and France, they are used only for clinical studies. The machine here, fully equipped with medical software, is the first in Europe to be commissioned and applied directly for patient care. It is a source of pride for me and for the entire medical team to inaugurate such equipment and to experience this moment," said Minister Alexandru Rogobete.
The medical director of the Neurosurgery Hospital, Dr. Marius Dabija, said that the new equipment at the Neurosurgery Hospital in Iasi offers rapid and precise diagnosis in acute and postoperative neurological cases; direct integration into the operating flow, facilitating more efficient interventions, alignment with international standards for modern neurosurgery centers.
Also, the manager of the Neurosurgery Hospital in Iasi explained that with the help of this technology, the diagnostic time is reduced from 40 to 5 minutes, which increases the chances of recovery.
"With this device, which allows a quick scan in just five minutes, you can make the difference between a patient retaining intact neurological, motor, or mental function - or between life and death. And yes, this technology saves lives. Reducing the scan time from 40 minutes to 5 minutes means millions of nerve cells are preserved. As a result, it directly impacts the patient's quality of life, or even survival itself. So, time truly means brain," said Dr. Lucian Eva, manager of the Neurosurgery Hospital in Iasi.
Even if the costs may seem high at first, Dr. Eva emphasizes that such technologies bring significant added value.
"Imagine that when you diagnose a stroke using a portable MRI and intervene within the first minutes, you have a patient with intact motor function who no longer requires costly rehabilitation, and whose social and professional reintegration is rapid. Thus, society ultimately spends less on such a patient. (...) In my view, investments in the health system today must be made judiciously. (...) This MRI consumes 900 watt-hours. My iron at home consumes more," explained Dr. Lucian Eva.
In addition to the mobile MRI, the Neurosurgery Hospital has been equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including an intraoperative 3D robot, a preoperative planning station, a neurosurgical guidance system, and a robotic arm. These systems communicate in real time, providing a complete and precise medical pathway for patients.
"Through these procurements, the 'Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu' Clinical Emergency Hospital in Iasi strengthens its leading position in Romanian neurosurgery and confirms its commitment to high-level medical services," said Dr. Lucian Eva.
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