The new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), installed at the Neurosurgery Service Ward, Tirana University Hospital Centre, is the most recent investment, bringing state-of-the-art technology that enables application of the most advanced diagnostic imaging techniques and provides greater convenience for patients. “A cutting-edge equipment, representing the present and the future of technology,” the magnetic resonance imaging was described by the doctors and radiologists, saying it serves not only to diagnose and then treat diseases, but also to advance scientific research.
Prime Minister Edi Rama today visited the at the Neurosurgery Service Ward, University Hospital Centre “Mother Teresa”. Neurosurgeon Arben Seferi explained that MRI diagnoses rare diseases that are hard to be tracked and detected. “It is the only such a powerful imaging equipment currently installed in Albania’s hospitals and the power of the apparatus is also translated into the quality of the examination. New software has also been applied in the quality of the examination, enabling us to diagnose diseases that are rare to be detected. We have introduced spectroscopy, tractography, which we can perform here. The cancer screenings take total body examinations. In the paediatric examinations – since it has been required by the thalassemia association – we will also include the ferritin test that can be performed by the magnetic resonance imaging, because measuring the ferritin level helps in determining a more qualitative treatment and it improves survival.”
For the experienced doctors in the field of neurosurgery, advanced technology is a great help in diagnosing the neurological diseases. “With the help of this cutting-edge technology, we will be able to decrypt and detect neurological diseases, such as epilepsy,” said renowned doctor Mentor Petrela, the head of the Neurosurgery Service Ward.
They are optimistic that the service standards at the country’s largest hospital center are aligning with those of the most well-known European hospital centers. “We are reaching the research level. In Europe’s hospitals, this is the present and the future. The equipment was supplied following a request I forwarded to the Prime Minister two years ago,” Petrela said.
The Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu said that the range of the equipment’s usage is broader than the service where it has been installed. “The magnetic resonance imaging was projected in the 2018 state budget. The equipment has been installed and has become fully operational. Some 7 resonance imaging equipment, 24 scanners, 5 angiographs, 3 accelerators are currently operational in Albania’s hospital centres, meeting around 80 percent of diagnosing needs. This equipment serves not only the neurosurgery service. We are investing not only in diagnosing and treatment, but also in research, which is one of the main elements in the University Hospital Centre,” she said.
Health Minister explained that compared to the recent past, the today’s diagnostic medical equipment and supplies offer not only a higher quality, but also a whole maintenance system.
“Besides the fact that only 4 resonance imaging equipment were operational, all the heavy equipment was not properly maintained. In 2013, we inherited a poorly maintained technology system, without any safety and operational element. All equipment is now maintained, whereas more investments are being carried out in new devices, that will be translated into lower cost for patients, who were previously forced to undergo costly check-ups in private hospitals,” Manastirliu said.
But this is not the only investment. A new resonance imaging equipment has been installed in the regional hospital of Elbasan.
“Meanwhile, in addition to resonance at Tirana University Hospital Centre, a new resonance has been installed for the first time in Elbasan. The equipment has become operational and first 5 examinations are being carried out, which means that the range of devices further expands and people are no longer forced to come to University Hospital Centre, but they can consult with the best doctors through telemedicine to have a higher efficiency,” she concluded.
