Positron Emission Tomography scan machine. [Photo/Wikipedia]Cancer patients will be able to get PET CT scan services in Kenya after the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi acquired the first imaging test machine in East and Central Africa.
The ultra-modern Positron Emission Tomography (PET) CT scanner and Cyclotron is currently being installed at the hospital's oncology unit ahead of its launch in March 2018, according to the Star.
CEO Shawn Bolouki said the machine will revolutionise cancer care and treatment in the country.
"This will enable doctors to identify health threats at the cell-level thus giving them the best view and time of treatment for complex diseases such as cancer and heart diseases, brain and other central nervous system problems, thereby improving treatment outcomes." Bolouki said in a statement as quoted by the Star.
The machine was acquired at an approximate cost Sh600 million.
Head of the oncology Asim Jamal said information generated from PET CT scans enable oncologists to make better treatment and follow up plans for cancer patients.In certain cancer situations, the information is critical in making decisions regarding treatment options including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
"This technology can reveals the presence and stage of cancer, including whether and where the cancer has spread to, and help doctors decide on treatment," Jamal said.
Data from Health ministry released early this year showed that some 116 patients suffering from non communicable diseases travelled to India between January and March this year in search of medical treatment. Cancer patients made up 57.8 as noted by the paper.