24 June 2019
Fulfilling a promise to a better health service the MOHMS will see the design and building of a complex for a CT scan
In fulfilling a promise made in terms of its 100 Days policy priorities, the Solomon Islands Government, through a Cabinet decision, today, released a press statement saying $17.8 million dollars had been approved to design and build the complex to house the Computer Tomography (CT) scan machine to be acquired for the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
As one that has long advocated for a CT scan as a vital investigative tool for the National Referral Hospital I extend my sincere thanks to the Solomon Islands Government and to Lady Potter, the Australian philanthropist, who visited Honiara last year and told the then Prime Minister of her willingness to raise funds to purchase a CT scan on behalf of the Solomon Islands medical services.
Today’s press release from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet read:
(Quote)
“The money will also be used for the management of the CT scan project, and to provide and supply and fit-out minor equipment and accessories needed for the project.
“Following this decision by the Cabinet, important steps will be taken by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services such as advertisements of tender notices for building contractors.
“The selected contractors will be working together with The Solomon Foundation in Sydney together with Siemans Healthineers who is the supplier of the equipment to determine the requirements needed for the building.
“MHMS is anticipating that the CT scan machine is tentatively scheduled to be in operation before the end of 2020.
“The Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCGA) is committed to the delivery of ongoing and prospective policy priorities in the interests of peace, national stability and economic advancement.”
A CT scan or computed tomography scan (formerly computerized axial tomography scan or (CAT scan)makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images (virtual "slices") of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.
Computed tomography operates by using an X-ray generator that rotates around the object and X-ray detectors are positioned on the opposite side of the circle from the X-ray source. A visual representation of the raw data obtained is called a sinogram, yet it is not sufficient for interpretation. Once the scan data has been acquired, the data must be processed using a form of topographic reconstruction which produces a series of cross-sectional images.
Once the CT scan is installed at the NRH professionally trained personnel will be needed to operate it and it will be advisable to have a maintenance agreement in place with the supplier.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
