The sole PET/CT scanner operating in Macedonia is currently out of service due to a technical issue related to the production of necessary radioisotopes. According to representatives from the University Institute for Positron-Emission Tomography, the authorized service provider is working to resolve the defect. This imaging technology is critically important in oncology, as it allows medical professionals to detect and precisely locate tumors.
The resulting photo evidence is essential for monitoring cancer progression—determining if a tumor has been successfully removed, assessing the extent of residual disease, or evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing therapies. The immediate lack of access has created significant delays for patients awaiting crucial follow-up diagnostic imaging. Consequently, many individuals are being forced to seek alternative diagnostic pathways either in private facilities or internationally.
These private services carry a substantial financial burden, with the cost of a single scan estimated at around 1,300 euros. The inability to perform routine pet scans means that timely monitoring and treatment adjustments are being postponed. The ongoing mechanical issue with the scanner’s radioisotope production capability has placed significant strain on the local healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the critical dependency of advanced oncological care on this single piece of equipment.
Topics: #pet #patients #photo
