Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today directed officials of the Health Department to ensure the early installation of an advanced PET scan machine at the Ambala Cancer Hospital for the convenience of cancer patients. He instructed the officials to prepare the tender terms and conditions within the next 15 days and submit them for approval. Transport Minister Sh. Anil Vij and Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar were also present on the occasion.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Ambala Cancer Hospital is an important healthcare institution for cancer patients, and the availability of a PET scan machine is essential for providing better treatment facilities. He said that a PET scan machine is an advanced medical imaging system that plays a crucial role in detecting cancer in the human body.
It also helps determine the stage of cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The machine can also assess the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thereby significantly supporting the treatment process.
The Chief Minister directed that instead of the previously proposed analogue machine, a digital PET scan machine should be installed at the Ambala Cancer Hospital to ensure more accurate diagnostic results and better treatment outcomes. He further instructed that the new PET scan machine should be equipped with the latest available technology.
He also emphasized that affordable rates should be fixed for cancer patients undergoing PET scan tests so that the financial burden on patients is minimized. He added that although eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme can avail PET scan services free of cost at any empanelled hospital, the facility at Ambala Cancer Hospital would be made available on a priority basis.
Transport Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the Ambala Cancer Hospital caters not only to patients from Haryana but also to those from six to seven neighbouring states. He said that although a PET scan facility is available at Saddopur near Ambala, having the machine within the Ambala Cancer Hospital itself is essential, as shifting admitted patients to another location for diagnostic tests causes unnecessary inconvenience.
He further stated that the hospital already has several advanced medical machines that are even more sophisticated than those available at PGI Chandigarh. Once the PET scan machine is installed, patients will be able to avail comprehensive cancer care under one roof.
Managing Director of HMSCL Sh. Manoj and Director General of the Health Department Dr. Manish Bansal, along with other senior departmental officials, were also present during the meeting.