IGMC to purchase PET scan directly from a PSU

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) will directly purchase the PET scan machine from HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES), a public sector utility. “The government has already decided the cost at which the machine is to be procured. We are now in touch with HITES to complete the remaining formalities. We should be able to buy the machine shortly,” said IGMC principal Dr Sita Thakur.

Meanwhile, the three-storey building where the PET scan facility will be set up is also nearing completion. “We are hopeful that all formalities will be completed at the earliest, and the patients will start getting the benefit of the facility soon,” said Dr Vikas Fotedar, Professor, Department of Radiotherapy.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had laid the foundation stone for the PET scan facility about two years back. The estimated cost of the project was around Rs 45 crore. While Rs 21 crore was allocated for a single positron emission tomography (PET) CT scan machine, Rs 9 crore for a photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) CT scan machine and Rs 15.68 crore for civil works.

As and when the PET CT facility becomes functional at the IGMC, patients will have to shell out much lesser amount compared to what they have to pay at the private facilities for the test at the moment. The facility will bring relief to many cancer patients as PET scan is an expensive test, and some patients need to get it done repeatedly after six months or a year.