Chief radiographer Harry Hanson said the 3 Tesla MRI machine provided exceptional image quality, which was essential for investigating conditions, such as tumours, joint and spinal injuries, and soft tissue injuries.

It was also equipped with noise reduction technology and a wide bore, designed to make patients more comfortable.

The machine had a long journey before arriving in Launceston. It was flown from Germany to Melbourne and shipped across to Tasmania, before being lifted into the clinic with a crane on Saturday.

Mr Hanson said there would be 25 to 30 patients scanned each day, and he expected the clinic would be extended some weekdays and open some weekends to cope with the demand.

Regional Imaging Tasmania clinical director Dr Ken McLean said the new MRI machine would deliver highly detailed and accurate images that would be useful in helping to identify a range of conditions, including breast and prostate cancer.

“MRI is the most sensitive test to detect early breast cancer in particular groups of women at high risk,” he said.

“These include women with a known faulty gene that predisposes them to developing breast cancer, women with a strong family history of breast cancer, and women who have had previous chest radiation treatment for Hodgkin’s disease or other cancer before the age of 30.

“Male patients are also set to benefit with advanced prostate MRI scanning. Certain regions of the prostate that can be difficult to reach by ultrasound are more easily viewed using the MRI-guided technique.”

The first MRI scanner was installed in Tasmania 25 years ago.

“This is the most advanced MRI ever to be installed in Tasmania and is a significant boost to local health services," Regional Imaging regional manager David Bromfield said. “We are thrilled to be able provide the local community with the same calibre of world class medical care as that offered in our capital cities."

More than 3.7 million patient procedures were performed around Australia each year.