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Friday Nov 15, 2024
Tuesday, 11 September 2012 00:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Radiology and Imaging department of the pioneering healthcare leader Nawaloka Hospital has recorded a significant increase in Radiology investigations, to 100,000, for the twelve months to end-August 2012, compared to last year. As a result, revenues for the Radiology Centre have also risen by 40% year-on-year.
According to Nawaloka Hospital Director/General Manager Prof. Lal Chandrasena, the rise in the number of medical investigations were mainly due to a higher grade Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra 3.0 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner acquired by the hospital close to a year ago, at a cost of Rs. 240 million.
“The Nawaloka Hospital acquired the only 3.0 Tesla MRI Scanner in Sri Lanka just over a year ago. This machine, the Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra, cost the hospital over Rs. 240 million and produces superior images of the highest quality when compared to the 1.5 Tesla scans which were only available previously,” commented Prof. Chandrasena.
This MRI scanner, which needs only 20 minutes to run a full body scan and provides more detailed, higher resolution images, has not only allowed Nawaloka Hospital’s Radiology department to increase the overall number of MRI scans it schedules. Additionally, and maybe more importantly for patients, it has led to a significant reduction in waiting times. Also, this is aside from added benefits such as halving the actual scanning time and more physical space available inside the MRI scanning device itself so patients are less inclined to feel claustrophobic while in the machine.
As part of its ongoing commitment to upgrading its Radiological services, Nawaloka Hospital also recently invested Rs. 120 million on two state-of-the-art digital x-ray units. Digital technology produces x-rays of crystal clear quality with significantly less radiation exposure. Allowing for quicker image processing and delivery as well as a higher resolution overall, these digital x-ray units have quickly become the preferred choice for both consultants and patients alike.
Prof. Chandrasena also emphasised that Nawaloka Hospital’s ongoing acquisition of the most technologically advanced medical equipment available in the Sri Lankan private healthcare sector today was aimed at attracting the best medical consultants, as these technologies allow doctors the ability to perform quick and accurate diagnosis which enables better recovery.
Prof. Chandrasena further added that the hospital is also in the process of completing the full digitalisation of its Radiology department which will enable consultants to view the radiology scan away from their desks, so that they may continue to produce urgent and life saving reports instantly, irrespective of time and place.
