Karachi: A locally manufactured X-ray machine, claimed to cost two to four times less than comparable imported equipment, was showcased at the 23rd Health Asia Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre.
Developed by Al-Shafa Medical Equipment, the machine has obtained the required licensing and approvals from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, according to the company.
Al-Shafa Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Farooq said the machine had been developed to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported medical equipment and address difficulties in securing spare parts and maintenance services.
He said the machine uses high-frequency inverter technology that can reduce X-ray exposure time to around 0.1 seconds for certain procedures, potentially limiting radiation exposure for patients and operators.
The machine can operate on a 3-to-5 KVA uninterruptible power supply or a solar power system, the company said. The low power requirement could make it suitable for hospitals and diagnostic centres in areas facing unreliable electricity supply.
Farooq said imported X-ray machines with comparable capabilities could cost two to four times more than the locally produced equipment. However, the company did not disclose the machine’s exact price or production capacity.
He said locally available spare parts would allow healthcare facilities to carry out repairs more quickly and at a lower cost than imported machines, whose components often require foreign exchange and lengthy procurement procedures.
Delays in importing spare parts can leave medical equipment out of service for extended periods, particularly during foreign exchange shortages, supply-chain disruptions or international restrictions, he added.
The company plans to showcase the machine at international healthcare exhibitions, including Arab Health, to explore export opportunities.
Farooq said commercial exports could generate foreign exchange and help Pakistan develop technical expertise in medical-device manufacturing.
Pakistan remains heavily dependent on imported medical equipment and components. Increased local production could help lower procurement and maintenance costs, although the machine’s performance, durability and commercial viability will depend on its use in healthcare facilities.