New \u20ac1.8 million MRI machine inaugurated at St Vincent de Paul<\/p>\n
A new MRI machine has been inaugurated at St Vincent de Paul with an expenditure of around €1.8 million, the Health Ministry and the European Funds Ministry said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The MRI 1.5T represents a significant upgrade in healthcare services, enabling more complex and precise examinations that will lead to better diagnosis and more effective treatment, the statement said.<\/p>\n
The MRI service is set to begin operating next week, marking another step towards a more modern, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare system, the Ministries said.<\/p>\n
“Today we are seeing another promise fulfilled and another important step for health and ageing in our country, with the introduction of the sixth MRI machine,” Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said.<\/p>\n
Four new radiographers have been recruited to support the expanded MRI service at the facility, the statement said.<\/p>\n
The MRI service will be available to residents as well as patients aged 60 and over, with the aim of reducing pressure on Mater Dei Hospital and cutting waiting times.<\/p>\n
“These are investments that continue to build a more resilient health system prepared for the needs of today and the future,” European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said.<\/p>\n
The statement said that government has spent over €5 million in the Diagnostic Imaging Unit at St Vincent de Paul, including various modern imaging technologies such as CT scanners, ultrasound units, and bone density equipment.<\/p>\n
Around 5,000 people are expected to benefit from the new MRI service in its first year, it said.<\/p>\n
“St Vincent de Paul has continued with work to improve and expand operations so that the elderly in the community are served in the most exceptional way,” Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea said.<\/p>\n
He said that additional developments at St Vincent de Paul included a new Renal Unit, the expansion of the pharmacy building, and a psychogeriatric ward expected to open in early May.<\/p>\n