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February 3, 2026

Why Tier-2 Indian Cities Are Investing Heavily in Refurbished MRI Machines

Analysis of the refurbished MRI boom in cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar, driven by lower costs and faster installation timelines.

Sunrays Market Research

The Tier-2 City Healthcare Revolution

India's Tier-2 cities are experiencing a healthcare infrastructure boom, with refurbished MRI installations growing at 25% annually compared to 8% in metro cities. Cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, Nashik, and Bhubaneswar are leading this transformation.

Why Tier-2 Cities Choose Refurbished

Factor Tier-2 City Reality Refurbished Advantage
Capital Budget ₹2-4 Crore typical budget High-quality Siemens Avanto fits budget
Patient Volume 10-20 scans/day initially ROI achievable at lower volumes
Time to Market Need to start operations quickly 4-6 week installation vs 6+ months
Service Support Limited OEM presence Local third-party support available

Top Tier-2 Cities for MRI Investment 2026

  1. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Medical tourism hub, 15% annual patient growth
  2. Lucknow, UP: Government healthcare expansion, SGPGI referral network
  3. Indore, MP: Central India's healthcare center, 20+ new imaging centers in 2025
  4. Coimbatore, TN: Strong private hospital network, affordable land costs
  5. Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Emerging healthcare destination, state support
  6. Nashik, Maharashtra: Growing wine tourism drives health-conscious population
  7. Visakhapatnam, AP: Port city with industrial workforce demanding healthcare

Case Study: Jaipur Diagnostic Center

A 2025 Jaipur installation showcases the refurbished advantage:

  • Equipment: Siemens Magnetom Avanto 1.5T (refurbished)
  • Investment: ₹2.2 Crore (vs ₹4.5 Crore for new)
  • Installation Time: 5 weeks from order
  • Monthly Revenue: ₹12 Lakhs at 15 scans/day
  • Payback Period: 22 months (vs 40+ months for new)

Infrastructure Considerations for Tier-2 Cities

  • Power Stability: UPS and generator backup essential in many cities
  • Water Quality: Chiller water treatment often needed
  • Technical Support: Partner with vendors offering local service teams
  • Transport Access: Ensure road access for magnet delivery

Fact-Checked by Ravi Rulania, CEO, Sunrays Medical

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