New Delhi: Critically ill patients in ICUs may no longer need to be shifted for brain scans, with AIIMS Delhi introducing India’s first portable MRI system, enabling bedside imaging.The ultra-low-field MRI device can be wheeled directly to patients, eliminating the need for transport to conventional MRI suites—a process that is often risky for those on ventilators or in unstable condition.Doctors said the system is already being used at the Centre for Neurological Conditions under Dr Shailesh Gaikwad, and is expected to improve rapid diagnosis in stroke, head injury, ICU monitoring, paediatric cases and post-operative neurosurgical care.Clinicians say the biggest advantage is speed and safety. In emergencies such as stroke, where every minute matters, bedside imaging can help doctors take faster treatment decisions.The system has been introduced following regulatory approval and is supported by Radiosurgery Global. Experts say the technology could expand access to brain imaging in critical care settings and strengthen research in point-of-care neurodiagnostics.