20 Sep 2018

Nuclear procedures are among the best and most effective life-saving tools as they are safe, painless and do not require anesthesia, says acting Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Biggie Butale.

Officially launching nuclear medicine project at Bokamoso Private Hospital, Mr  Butale said the treatment was also helpful to other medical specialties, from paediatrics to cardiology and psychiatry.

“Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease,” he said.

The project, the first of its kind in the country, would bring among other things the reduction of high costs in Botswana’s health sector borne by high volumes of referrals to other countries, he said.

In addition, he said it would inevitably contribute towards economic growth in the country.

Mr Butale said nuclear medicine, which began as an experiment in the early 20th century, had been in use for about 50 years in the treatment of diseases such as  hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, lymphomas and bone pain from some types of cancer.

“Personal health improvements from nuclear medicine use are that it allows for quick, safe, early and accurate medical diagnosis,” he said.

Applauding the hospital for its innovative spirit, Mr Butale urged all in the health sector to continue exploring other untapped areas and apply themselves towards addressing health care issues in  creative ways.

“All of this needs to be done jointly by the public and private sector. As government, we believe that Public Private Partnerships in our health care system will enhance efficiency and provide better health outcomes, hence this deliberate move by Lenmed Bokamoso is of great convenience in this regard,” he said.

Dr Nico Malan, a nuclear  physician, said treatment required small trace amounts of radioactive material to be administered to a patient to allow physiological assessment of various organs and disease processes.

“It differs from radiological imaging as it allows physiological assessment necessary for diagnosis and management of diseases by referring doctors,” he said.

He said the facility would ensure that patients no longer travelled to neighbouring countries for such services. ENDS