Global medtech innovator Time Medical has formally inaugurated the first PICA Open MRI in the Philippines, marking a significant expansion of its international footprint and introducing US-engineered imaging technology to Filipino hospitals and diagnostic centers.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has transformed diagnostic medicine—enabling clinicians to detect and assess neurological disorders, ENT conditions, musculoskeletal and spinal abnormalities, oncologic cases, and other complex diseases with high precision. Yet in the Philippines, access remains limited. With fewer than 200 MRI systems operating nationwide, advanced diagnostic imaging is often scarce, costly, and geographically inaccessible—particularly in provincial regions.
Even when available, traditional closed-bore MRI systems present another barrier: patient intolerance. Radiologists estimate that up to 20% of patients are unable to complete scans due to claustrophobia, anxiety, or discomfort from prolonged exposure to confined spaces and loud acoustic noise.
Engineered for Comfort Without Compromise
To address these challenges, Time Medical introduces the PICA Open MRI—a whole-body system designed around patient experience without sacrificing diagnostic capability.
Unlike conventional tunnel-type MRI machines, the PICA features an open architecture tailored for:
- Claustrophobic patients
- Elderly individuals
- Pediatric cases
- Overweight patients
- Patients with mobility restrictions
Built on an advanced hardware platform with cutting-edge clinical applications, the system delivers fast acquisition times and high-resolution imaging performance approaching that of 1.5T MRI systems—while offering easier maintenance and lower operational costs.
Notably, it is the country’s first open MRI system that does not require helium, reducing operational complexity and improving environmental sustainability. The result is technology aligned with compassion: innovation that serves both patients and institutions.
For healthcare facilities, this translates to fewer incomplete scans, improved compliance rates, and a more welcoming imaging environment—without compromising diagnostic precision.
Smarter Imaging Through Digital Connectivity
Beyond its hardware, the PICA Open MRI integrates digital infrastructure designed for modern healthcare ecosystems.
The system includes a secure, HIPAA-compliant teleradiology platform and Open PACS, powered by software developed by DigiHealth Specialists. This enables high-resolution images to be securely transmitted and interpreted remotely—an essential capability in addressing radiologist shortages and reducing report turnaround times.
For provincial hospitals and expanding health networks, this interoperability allows diagnostic reach to scale without immediate in-house specialist expansion, optimizing both cost and care delivery.
Globally Certified, Locally Strategic
Time Medical combines US-based technology with internationally recognized certifications, including US FDA and CE approvals, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and performance standards.
The company recently expanded manufacturing operations through a facility at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ). Significantly, the Philippines became the recipient of the first Make-in-India MRI system exported outside India—underscoring the country’s strategic importance in Time Medical’s global rollout.
Time Medical operates as a subsidiary of Fischer Medical Ventures. According to Group Chairman Ravi Govindan:
“MRI systems are not one-size-fits-all. Many countries, including the Philippines, face financial constraints that limit healthcare optimization. Time Medical develops solutions specifically designed to help developing nations strengthen their medical imaging capabilities.”
Designed for Forward-Thinking Healthcare Institutions
For hospital administrators, radiologists, and public-sector decision-makers, the PICA Open MRI offers a compelling value proposition:
- Open, patient-friendly architecture
- Digital interoperability and teleradiology capability
- International certifications (US FDA, CE) and Philippine FDA compliance
- Lower operational complexity
- Competitive, long-term investment positioning
“Patients have already gone through significant stress due to illness. Providing comfort during procedures is part of true patient-centered care,” said Joyce Socao, CEO of Time Medical Philippines and regional patient safety ambassador.
As Philippine healthcare institutions modernize and expand access to advanced diagnostics, imaging systems must evolve beyond static equipment. They must integrate digitally, operate efficiently, and scale sustainably.
With its expanding global footprint and patient-first engineering philosophy, Time Medical positions the PICA Open MRI as a forward-looking solution—bridging accessibility gaps and elevating the future of diagnostic imaging in the Philippines.
