RFH Healthcare has unveiled modern PET-CT and SPECT-CT scanners, promising to transform cancer diagnosis and treatment in the country.
The advanced machines, now operational, mark a significant leap forward in patient care by reducing the need for overseas medical travel and drastically cutting waiting times for scans.
Andre Lourens, a Molecular Imaging Application specialist from GE Healthcare Africa, is in Kenya to oversee the setup of the advanced imaging systems and provide specialised staff training.
The specialist from South Africa highlighted the versatility of the machines.
“The PET-CT and SPECT-CT scanners are not only pivotal in cancer diagnosis and treatment but also play crucial roles in cardiac and brain imaging. Each machine can efficiently serve 10-15 patients daily, ensuring more patients receive timely and accurate diagnostics,” he stated.
Maxwell Songa, Nuclear Medical Physicist at RFH, emphasised the significant impact the machines will have.
“Patients who previously had to travel abroad for PET-CT or SPECT-CT scans can now access these services locally. The acquisition of this advanced technology will reduce waiting times to just one week, allowing us to perform diagnosis, staging, restaging, and monitoring with unparalleled precision,” Songa said.
He added that RFH stands as the first facility in Kenya and East Africa to provide targeted therapy for prostate cancer patients using the cutting-edge technology, offering an alternative to the traditional linear accelerator approach.
Isaac Munyao, Nuclear Medicine Technologist at RFH, demonstrated how the PET-CT scanner operates, explaining the streamlined process.
“A scan takes approximately 25-27 minutes, making it both efficient and comfortable for patients. This technology ensures that every image captured provides vital insights into the patient's condition.”
Maxwell Okoth, Group Managing Director at RFH, reaffirmed the hospital's dedication to advancing healthcare.
“RFH remains committed to setting new benchmarks in medical technology and patient care. These investments reflect our vision of providing world-class services locally, ensuring that Kenyans and East Africans no longer need to leave the region for critical diagnostics and treatments.”
