New CT scan inaugurated at oncology centre

A €500,000 investment in a new CT scan at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre has been launched by Deputy Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Fearne said that the purpose of this new scanner is to improve and provide more services to cancer patients.

Around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed many health systems. Several hospitals are finding it difficult to provide the necessary care to patients with Covid-19. Due to this influx, the treatment of non-Covid patients fell short, Fearne said.

He added that “thanks to the work carried out during the months of this pandemic, we have been able to control the active cases, both inside and outside of our hospitals. We have not only managed to cope with the cases, but we have managed to advance and increase the services for patients with other diseases, including cancer patients.”

Fearne praised the work carried out by health care workers who care for cancer patients, saying that they provide an excellent service.

“A total of €16 million was allotted to medicine for cancer patients. However, apart from the medicine, patients also need adequate machinery and infrastructure,” Fearne said.

He recalled how a number of years ago, therapy for cancer patients through the machinery used at the time, caused complications. However, this machinery has improved greatly.

Between 70 to 80 patients require radio therapy everyday. This machine aims to improve the patients’ care.

Medical physicist Dorothy Aquilina explained that this new CT scan is different from other scanners.

The CT scan is an important machinery as it allows doctors to clearly identify the patients’ needs. The breathing of the patient can also be taken to account with this scanner, Aquilina said.