[1]Chennai: The Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital has procured a new flow cyto meter machine which will enable in precise diagnosis of the type of blood cancer. The cost of the machine is Rs 55 lakh and it is a first of its kind set up in any government hospital in the state.
The haematology department that concentrates on blood-related diseases deals with almost 100 patients per day. “In a private hospital, whenever the system is used, they charge up to Rs 1,000, but it will be available free of cost here. Moreover, this machine will enable us to diagnose at least 50 patients per day,” said a senior doctor.
The apparatus, imported from America, is the latest model available in the market, said the medicos at RGGGH.
“There are totally eight sub-types of blood cancer. Out of 50 inpatients, 80 per cent suffer from blood cancer. This apparatus will enable us to get a clear picture about the cancer,” they said. In order to improve the specialisation in haematology, Madras Medical College is planning to develop a new course.
“The installation of the equipment is the first step towards it. The three-year course will be post-MD degree. The hospital is looking for donations in kind, as the needs far exceed the actual contributions from the government,” said dean, Dr V. Kanagasabai. The funds for the equipment was consolidated from pervious term MLA K. Srinivasan’s Park constituency development funds. Minister for health K.C. Veeramanisaid “I will encourage all the MPs to contribute from their respective development funds.If similar donations are made, it will supplement the hospital contirbution, thereby enabling them to give better treatment to the public,” he said. Mayor Saidai Duraisamy was present during the inauguration.
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