The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has informed Parliament about the approval of a site for the establishment of a sh110b Positron Emission Tomography (PET) center, eagerly awaiting the commencement of groundbreaking activities....CONTINUE READING
Under the leadership of Dr. Jackson Orem, the executive director, UCI emphasized the significance of this project in facilitating early cancer detection, which is expected to substantially decrease the need for referrals abroad. Notably, the cost of scans at the PET center is projected to be only 30% of the expenses incurred for similar services overseas.
In the most recent report presented to the parliamentary committee on budget, UCI expressed its need for sh110b to initiate the PET project, confirming that the designated site has been cleared and is ready for groundbreaking.
The parliamentary committee, chaired by Patrick Isiagi Opolot, Member of Parliament for Kachumbala County, further highlighted UCI’s ambition to evolve into a regional center of excellence in cancer management. This comprehensive approach encompasses prevention, screening, diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, as well as research and healthcare personnel training in oncology.
Opolot emphasized the necessity for substantial initial investments in infrastructure and equipment to meet international standards, citing the PET center as a crucial component of this endeavor.
PET scan, a sophisticated diagnostic tool, plays a vital role in pinpointing the precise location of cancer within the body. While acknowledging its importance, experts underscored the considerable expense associated with PET scans, ranging between $1.7m and $2.5m (approximately sh6.6b and sh9.7b). Additionally, logistical challenges, particularly for severely ill patients unable to travel abroad for scans, highlight the urgent need for advanced diagnostic facilities within Uganda.
Despite the high costs and logistical hurdles, healthcare professionals currently rely on alternative diagnostic methods such as nuclear medicine, CAT scans, and blood tests to address the pressing needs of cancer patients in Uganda.
