Chitwan, Nov 20: The BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur has resumed its mammography service after three years. The service was suspended due to the malfunction of the mammography machine, which is crucial for identifying breast cancer. A new machine has been installed, and the service is now operational again.
According to the hospital’s Deputy Director, Dr. Umesh Nepal, the new “digital mammography” machine, made in Italy, was purchased by the Department of Health Services and provided to the hospital. Although the hospital previously had a mammography machine, it was out of service for the past three years. The old machine was beyond repair, and the health ministry was approached for the purchase of a new one.
Although the machine arrived at the hospital a month ago, technical delays in installation postponed its operation until now. With the resumption of the service, Dr. Nepal emphasized that early detection of breast cancer would be more effective, facilitating timely and appropriate treatment.
The hospital’s Executive Director, Dr. Shivaji Paudel, mentioned that the new machine, worth approximately three crores rupees, would significantly improve service delivery. He also noted that, along with the new equipment, maintenance of older machines and the procurement of additional ones have enhanced the hospital’s services.
Dr. Paudel further explained that the lengthy cancer treatment and diagnostic processes are being streamlined. With these improvements, patients will no longer face long waiting times for services like radiology, surgery, and laboratory tests.
Previously, many laboratory tests had to be outsourced, but now, with two CT scan machines in operation, the hospital provides these services on-site. Dr. Paudel stated, “There is no longer a need for patients to go outside the hospital for any tests or surgeries.”
Additionally, the hospital is working with the Chinese government to establish bone marrow transplant services. #nepal #cancer #chitwan
