Over three years back, the PCMC had set up cityscan facility which also offers scanning facility at cheaper cost. "Once it is operational, residents in Pimpri-Chinchwad will be able to get MRI scanning done at charges 50 per cent less than private hospitals," said Dr Anand Jagdale, medical superintendent of YCM hospital. The MRI scanning facility will most probably be located close to the cityscan facility. "MRI scanning offers more clear view of an individual's body than cityscan facility," he said.

Set up in 1989, the YCM hospital has been on the development plan only in recent years after clamour grew among citizens and activists for affordable medical treatment. Moving into action, the PCMC set up the cathlab facility for which NCP chief Sharad Pawar had been insisted during his visits to the hospital. On Saturday, it was inaugurated by Pawar himself in the presence of Mayor Aparna Doke, Municipal Commissioner Asheesh Sharma, PCMC medical director Rajshekhar Iyer, YCMH superintendent Dr Anand Jagdale, deputy chief Shyamrao Gaikwad, NCP leaders Laxman Jagtap, Yogesh Behl, Mangala Kadam and Vijay Lande.

In his speech, Pawar stressed on the need for giving affordable treatment to the poor. "The setting up of the cath is a positive development for the common man. The treatment for heart ailment has become very costly for various reasons," he said, while applauding the efforts of the PCMC and YCMH management in providing cheaper treatment for poor patients. Pawar also highlighted the fact the cardiac diseases were increasing among children. In his address, Dr Jagdale credited the setting up of the institute to Pawar. "During his last three four visits to the hospital, Pawarsaheb has been directing us to set up a cathlab which will afford cheaper treatment to the poor. We are happy that we have lived upto his expectations," he said.