Magnetic resonance imaging in Canada: dissemination and funding

To determine the dissemination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units in Canada, and the funding sources used to buy, site and operate them.

Review of available data in the medical literature and on the Internet to determine dissemination. Based on these data, a survey was faxed to all the MRI sites in Canada requesting information on sources of funding, hours of operation, numbers of examinations performed and expansion plans.

There were 53 operating MRI sites in Canada at the end of 1997. There are 1.7 MRI units per 1 million population in Canada, compared with 4.3 per 1 million for a range of comparable European countries, and 9.4 per 1 million for a worldwide sample of similar industrial countries. The survey showed that a minority of sites received any government funding for capital acquisition (23%) or related building costs (19%). A direct government grant to at least partially cover operating costs was available at 42% of sites. The average numbers of examinations performed was 3653 per site per year, with average operating hours of 64 per week, and a throughput of 1.1 examinations per hour. These figures are equivalent to those from sites in other countries.

Despite the fact that Canada has a state-funded health care system, the single payer--government--is the smallest participant in funding MRI. MRI is widely accepted as a major advance in medical imaging, with future expansion in its capabilities assured. The important role of MRI in medical diagnosis and treatment is undisputed. Canada's position as the country with the lowest dissemination of this technology, and the need for a strategy to fund future technology acquisition in the health care system, must be addressed by all levels of government.