A published PNS Shifa tariff lists a plain brain MRI at Rs 11,000 and the contrast-enhanced version at Rs 15,000. Dow University lists a brain MRI without contrast at Rs 11,200, and with and without contrast at Rs 17,500. These are different protocols, not interchangeable products. For patients paying out of pocket, the first question is whether a quoted price matches the examination on the prescription.
Price check: 15 October 2026. These are published reference tariffs, not guaranteed quotations or confirmed 2027 prices.
Published MRI, CT scan and ultrasound prices in Pakistan
| Examination | Provider | Published price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Brain MRI without contrast | PNS Shifa | 11,000 |
| Brain MRI with contrast | PNS Shifa | 15,000 |
| Brain MRI without contrast | Dow University | 11,200 |
| Brain MRI with and without contrast | Dow University | 17,500 |
| CT abdomen and pelvis without contrast | PNS Shifa | 10,900 |
| CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast | PNS Shifa | 14,600 |
| Ultrasound whole abdomen | Dow University | 2,300 |
| Ultrasound upper abdomen | Dow University | 1,600 |
| Bilateral carotid Doppler ultrasound | Dow University | 4,700 |
Sources: PNS Shifa radiology tariff (2025 PDF) and Dow University of Health Sciences radiology price list. Prices may change; confirm directly before paying.
Why are the prices different?
An MRI or CT is not one uniform service. The body region, scanning protocol and contrast requirement affect what the hospital supplies. For example, Dow lists a cervical spine MRI without contrast at Rs 10,400. Its other specialised MRI entries carry different prices. A cheaper screening scan should not be mistaken for a full diagnostic examination.
Equipment, maintenance and staffing can influence a provider’s costs. Public subsidies may also matter. Published tariffs alone do not establish how much each factor contributes to a specific hospital’s bill. Ask for a quotation covering the exact examination, contrast if required, and the radiologist’s report.
What about CT scan prices?
PNS Shifa lists CT abdomen and pelvis without contrast at Rs 10,900 and with contrast at Rs 14,600 in its 2025 tariff. These are examples, not a national average. The referring clinician should determine whether contrast is required. Do not switch protocols simply because one is cheaper.
Ultrasound and Doppler: why the price gap?
Dow’s published list shows Rs 1,600 for upper-abdomen ultrasound, Rs 2,300 for whole-abdomen ultrasound and Rs 4,700 for bilateral carotid Doppler. Doppler examines blood flow and answers different clinical questions. Comparing the three as though they were the same test would mislead patients.
Finding imaging services in Karachi and other cities
Karachi patients can consult the Dow Institute of Radiology for its listed rates and appointment details. PNS Shifa also publishes its tariff online. Patients in Lahore and Islamabad should request dated quotations from the relevant centres; this article does not claim to have verified a citywide price comparison.
Public hospitals may offer lower-cost imaging, subject to referrals, capacity and local rules. Patients should confirm the availability of the prescribed examination before travelling.
Seven questions before booking
- Does the quotation match the precise examination on my prescription?
- Is contrast included if my doctor requested it?
- Does the price include the radiologist’s written report?
- Are digital images included?
- When will the report be ready?
- Is a discount available, and under what conditions?
- Does my insurance cover the scan, and is approval required?
Medical safety is not a price option
Before MRI, disclose implanted devices and suspected metal fragments. Before contrast-enhanced examinations, tell the radiology team about previous contrast reactions and kidney problems. Patients taking metformin should inform staff and follow individual medical instructions rather than stop treatment themselves. For clinical protocols, see the American College of Radiology Manual on Contrast Media.
Why price transparency matters
A price list helps, but the lowest figure may refer to a different examination. Patients need dated tariffs with clear protocol names and a statement of what the final bill includes. Until that information is routinely available, comparing identical prescriptions and written quotations is safer than comparing headline prices.
Related reading on munaeem.org
Medical expenses can continue after the scan. Read Health Insurance After Retirement in Pakistan for questions about coverage, and Why Pakistani Patients Struggle to Get Clear Answers From Hospitals for the importance of explanations and clear patient communication.
Editorial note: Prices were checked against published sources on 15 October 2026. They are reference figures, not binding quotations. Medical information is general and does not replace advice from a qualified clinician.