Centro Médico launches AI-powered CT scanner as government expands financing to retain doctors

Puerto Rico's Centro Médico began operating a state-of-the-art AI-powered computed tomography scanner this week, an $1.8 million investment that promises to double emergency diagnostic capacity. The equipment arrives as part of a broader government plan that includes multimillion-dollar financing to stem the island's doctor exodus ¹².

The new CT scanner, installed in the emergency room, uses the RapidAI artificial intelligence platform to process images and support medical staff in clinical evaluation, reducing the time needed to begin treatments. The equipment has bariatric capacity for patients up to 518 pounds and an aperture of approximately 74 centimeters, expanding access to specialized studies previously unavailable to certain patients ¹.

"This new technology allows us to offer a more inclusive, safe, and efficient service," said Dr. Regino Colon Alsina, executive director of the Medical Services Administration (ASEM). Health Secretary Dr. Victor Ramos Otero added that "no seriously injured or ill person should face delays" in receiving a diagnosis ¹.

The numbers

Centro Medico's emergency room currently performs about 100 CT studies per day. With the new equipment, that figure is expected to double. The scanner replaces units acquired between 2007 and 2008 that had reached end of life. The investment is part of a modernization portfolio exceeding $550 million that includes 19 construction and renovation projects, plus a new Trauma Hospital ³.

Three radiologist workstations were installed alongside the equipment, and according to Miraima Colon Rivera, interim Radiology manager, "this CT will allow us to streamline studies and double the number of patients served" ¹.

The plan against the doctor exodus

At the same July 21 event, the government unveiled an expansion of the Economic Development Bank's (BDE) financing program for physicians. The program offers loans up to $1.5 million for purchasing medical offices, acquiring specialized equipment, and making permanent facility improvements, with terms up to 20 years and a principal payment moratorium of up to 12 months ².

It also includes a revolving credit line of up to $25,000 for recurring operational expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities, at a fixed rate of 7.5% ²⁴.

"Since 2025, 17 cases have been approved under the Physicians Program for a total of $6.6 million. We are opening doors for physician retention to strengthen the healthcare system Puerto Rico deserves," said Josue E. Rivera, BDE president ⁴.

The program has financed practices in cardiology, anesthesiology, ophthalmology, and pediatrics, among other specialties. A concrete example: Puerto Rico Cardiology, founded by doctors Juan Nieves Rivera and Felix Alvarez Hernandez, received $1.35 million that allowed them to expand from Hatillo to Manati, creating 10 direct jobs ⁴.

The initiative seeks to address an exodus that reduced the medical workforce from 14,500 to approximately 9,000 physicians between 2009 and 2020. The shortage is felt especially in rural municipalities and critical specialties.

What it means for you

If you need emergency services at Centro Medico, diagnoses will be faster thanks to the new AI-powered scanner. If you are a licensed physician, you now have access to financing with favorable terms to establish or expand your practice in Puerto Rico. For the general community, these investments mean more doctors available close to home and modern technology in the public health system.

How to do it / Checklist

1. Physicians interested in financing: Contact the Economic Development Bank at (787) 765-2525 or visit www.bde.pr.gov to learn about the Physicians Program requirements.
2. Check your eligibility: The program applies to licensed physicians who wish to establish, acquire, or expand a medical practice in Puerto Rico.
3. Prepare your application: You will need a business plan detailing the proposed location, specialty, required equipment, and financial projections.
4. Centro Medico patients: If you need a CT study, the new equipment has been operating in the emergency room since July 20.
5. Rural area residents: Check the BDE directory for newly financed medical practices in your municipality.

What comes next

The scanner inaugurated this week is part of a three-unit acquisition; the other two have already been purchased and will be installed soon in other areas of Centro Medico ¹. At the federal level, Puerto Rico faces a Medicaid fiscal cliff: without new legislation, funding will drop from $4.2 billion annually to about $500 million starting October 2027, which could devastate the health system. Resident Commissioner Pablo Jose Hernandez has indicated that reauthorization will likely be delayed until 2027 ³. ASEM's $550 million modernization portfolio continues with 19 projects under construction, including the new Trauma Hospital that will bolster the island's emergency care capacity.