In a significant boost to public healthcare infrastructure, the installation of Uttar Pradesh's first Digital PET-CT scanner within a government institution commenced on Monday at Lucknow's Kalyan Singh Super Specialty Cancer Institute.
A Leap in Diagnostic Technology
The formal initiation of the installation process was led by the institute's director, Prof MLB Bhatt. This advanced diagnostic machine, valued at a substantial Rs 25 crore, is set to revolutionize cancer care at the facility by strengthening both diagnosis and treatment planning capabilities.
Officials explained the key technological advantage. Unlike the conventional analogue PET-CT scanners found in many centers, this new system employs digital detectors. This fundamental shift translates into several critical benefits for patients:
- Sharper and more detailed images for clearer visualization.
- Better detection of small cancer lesions that might be missed otherwise.
- More accurate assessment of how far the disease has spread and how it is responding to treatment.
- Shorter scanning time for patient comfort.
- Reduced radiation exposure during the procedure.
Impact on Treatment and Patient Access
An official highlighted that this technology will empower doctors to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at an earlier stage. "Clearer imaging allows for timely clinical decisions and modification of treatment when required, which can ultimately improve patient outcomes," the official added.
Once the technical testing and mandatory safety procedures are completed, the scanner will become operational for patient services. Its functionality will bring immense relief to the community, as cancer patients from Lucknow and nearby districts will no longer need to travel to other centers for PET-CT investigations. This is expected to significantly cut down delays in both diagnosis and the initiation of crucial treatment.
Cost Structure for Patients
The institute has also outlined a transparent cost structure for using the new scanner. For beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the procedure will cost Rs 10,450, exclusive of contrast material. For patients covered under all other government schemes, the cost is set at Rs 11,416, which includes the contrast. For a Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) scan, the charge will be Rs 11,927.
This installation marks a pivotal step in making cutting-edge cancer diagnostics accessible within the public health system of Uttar Pradesh, promising faster, more accurate, and more affordable care for thousands of patients.
