A Technical hurdle had delayed the use of the 10 portable digital X-ray machines that the civic body had purchased last month, for residential areas in containment zones in North Mumbai. The machines could not be used until appropriate vehicles that they could fit into were found. Senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said that a few were sent to jumbo COVID-19 facilities, while the rest are now being fitted into vehicles and are expected to be functional in the next few days.

The civic body had purchased around 10 such portable digital X-ray machines that will run on artificial intelligence software, and they were brought to KEM hospital. They were intended to be used in areas like Malad, Goregaon, Kandivli and Borivli where many cases are emerging from residential areas. However, a technical issue delayed the process. "Earlier, we were not able to fit the X-ray machines into the van. We later found an appropriate vehicle and have fabricated the equipment in it. We have uploaded the artificial intelligence in most of the machines after which a radiologist won't be required for reporting," said Dr Hemant Deshmukh, dean of KEM Hospital. He added that the set-up should be complete within a couple of days.