The first Digital PET-CT Scanner at Mater Dei Hospital has been inaugurated and will be assisting cancer patients in their diagnosis and ongoing assessment. Present for the occasion were the Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, and the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The first of two identical new PET-CT scanners at Mater Dei Hospital has begun providing services to patients requiring cancer diagnosis. This equipment, funded through European funds, is state-of-the-art and based on semiconductor digital technology. This system will replace the previous analogue system.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained that this new equipment will support all Maltese and Gozitan patients living with cancer. Accurate diagnosis, treatment, and continuous assessment are essential for these individuals. Dr Abela stated that with this advanced technology, the new scanner is four times more precise and sensitive than the previous one. He added that the scanner can also accommodate obese patients, and another important advantage is that examination time will now be reduced from 20 minutes to 12 minutes.
Minister Abela continued by saying that the number of patients served daily will increase to 20 individuals. He described this as a historic investment that will have a strong impact on oncology care in the country.
For his part, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that this investment clearly demonstrates how European funds continue to strengthen the capacity of Malta's health sector. He explained that through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Government is making strategic investments to replace outdated equipment, introduce innovative technologies, and reinforce diagnostic services upon which patients rely.
He added that this is a clear example of how European funds are being used in a targeted manner to improve people's lives. It is an investment that not only enhances diagnosis but also strengthens the resilience of the health sector for the years ahead.