Helium Crisis: MRI Scans to Become Costlier in India Amid Middle East War

• The ongoing Middle East war, particularly between Iran and Israel, is impacting India's medical sector.
• Reduced helium supply from Qatar, a major global supplier, threatens to make MRI tests more expensive in India.
• Helium is crucial for cooling MRI machine magnets; Qatar's gas plants, including Ras Laffan, have been affected by drone attacks.
• A prolonged crisis could lead to increased MRI costs and examination delays, with warnings of shortages in other medical essentials.
• Some companies are developing helium-free MRI machines using DryCool Technology to mitigate dependence on helium.