Group launches first PET scan in Nigeria

To ensure the effective diagnosis of cancer and enhance the survival rate in the country, the first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) computer tomography scan machine in Nigeria and West Africa has been acquired by Mecure Healthcare Ltd.

A PET scan is an imaging test, and an effective way to help identify a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.

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 It detects the location of cancer cells in the body as well as the size. 

Speaking after a tour of the comprehensive cancer centre in Oshodi, Lagos, the Chairman of Mecure Group, Samir Udani, stated that the PET CT scan machine that has the capacity to scan 30 to 40 patients daily, will be fully operational on February 15.

“This machine is the most important tool for cancer management. There is no substitute for it as it serves as the registered third eye of a cancer specialist. 

“It is first used to diagnose where cancer is located in the body, then after treatment, it is used for monitoring, thereafter, the scan is done again to ensure there is no recurrence of cancer cells in the body. With this, the survival rate of cancer patients becomes high,” he stated.

He said the project for a comprehensive Cancer centre started 10 years ago and has so far cost between USD36 to 40 million. 

Aside from the PET CT scan machine, the facility also has chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical facilities for cancer patients.

“Cancer patients pay so much for care especially if they have to travel out of the country.

“Besides the fee for the scan outside Nigeria, they have to add the burden of procuring visa, travelling, hotel and other logistics since they won’t be travelling alone, he said. 

Over the years, many Nigerians travel out of the country for cancer diagnosis and treatment because of the absence or dearth of equipment like PET scan. This also accounts for the high cancer mortality rate in the country according to experts.