Philips Medical Systems International apparently made a good impression on visiting Chinese physicians during the 1990 Radiological Society of North America conference. Authorities in the People's Republic of China ordered a second Philips T5 mid-field magnetic resonance imaging scanner last month. The first T5 unit is scheduled for delivery in May.
The Chinese do not express much interest in low-field MRI, said Ron F. Jongbloets, PMSI regional manager for China, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. They are looking for mid-field scanners to operate in regular hospitals and high-field systems for university facilities, he said.
A research group of Chinese university-affiliated doctors selected the T5 as the best mid-field MRI system during the RSNA meeting last November in Chicago, Jongbloets said.
The two MRI orders mark an important initial step for PMSI in the PRC. Philips has no MRI systems installed in that country, although eight of its computed tomography units are installed, Jongbloets said.
The MRI market is in its infancy in China. There are only about 10 systems overall in the country, compared to about 300 CT scanners, he said.
The Chinese hope to develop indigenous MRI manufacturing capabilities. They already produce low-field 0.15-tesla permanent magnet MRI units through a joint venture with Analogic of the U.S. (SCAN 12/14/88), Jongbloets said.
PRC officials are also interested in producing 0.5-tesla MRI systems. Philips is exploring possible forms of cooperation in such an endeavor, he said.
Chinese authorities only release enough foreign exchange to finance the importation of four MRI systems a year. PMSI has been able to deal directly with hospitals, although central permission is required for high-value medical equipment purchases, he said.
