Govt. hospital in Tiruchi to get PET scan centre soon
The installation of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan will begin within three months at the superspeciality block of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi, authorities said on Monday.
'We have got the approval from the Directorate of Medical Education and Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation to lay the groundwork for the PET scan centre. This is part of our effort to develop a full-fledged oncology block that will serve patients more effectively,' a senior official at the hospital said.
He told The Hindu that ₹140 crore had been sought under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). Staff for the PET scan centre, including medical and radiation oncologists, would be deputed from other institutions. 'The diagnostic equipment need space and radiation safety, so we will begin planning the civil works accordingly within a few weeks,' said the official.
'At present, MGMGH sees approximately 1,500 in-patients every month (both for screening and with the disease). In terms of surgical performance, there are roughly 25 to 30 major surgeries and 40 to 50 minor procedures performed each month. Last year, 404 cancer surgeries were carried out while 326 patients received radiotherapy treatment,' said the official.
Lack of facilities
Sources said every month, 60 to 70 cases from MGMGH are referred for radiotherapy and chemotherapy to Thanjavur Medical College and other centres like Madurai.
'Those needing and undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer are already prone to infection. Besides this, patients' attenders tend to lose their earnings during travel to these centres. This has made it imperative for Tiruchi GH to develop its own full-fledged oncology block,' said the official.
Free cancer screening camps were launched in Tiruchi district's health centres last week, for people aged above 18. The camps will be testing for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer with the aim of raising awareness about treatment and rehabilitation of survivors.
'The camps have created a new momentum in improving cancer care. MGMGH will be aligning with the district health authorities in providing solutions after the screening. Though PET scans are available through Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme in private centres, the common man, especially people from economically weaker sections of society, would prefer to reach out to a public healthcare facility for such crucial tests,' said the official.
'We are extending the working hours of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan centre, so that results can be shared with the patient within three days, rather than 10,' he added.
A site behind the ESI Hospital is being considered for the proposed oncology block at MGMGH.
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