By Lenah Bosibori
The Nairobi West Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in Kenya, has successfully performed the country’s first-ever AI-Enabled digital Position Enabling Tomography (PET) scan.
Dr Solomon Mutua a Clinical Oncologist at the hospital said this great milestone will help in cancer diagnosis and evaluation positioning the hospital at the forefront of medical innovation in Kenya.
“Position Enabling Tomography scan, is a highly advanced imaging technique that allows doctors to check for diseases in the body. The hospital has introduced a digital AI-enabled PET Scan, enhancing the precision and efficiency of cancer diagnosis,” said Mutua.
Mutua added that the innovative technology utilizes a special dye containing radioactive tracers, which, when introduced into the body, allows the PET scanner to produce detailed images of the internal workings of the body. The digital PET scan focuses on glucose metabolism in the body, providing critical information about the activity of cancers.
“The introduction of this state-of-the-art technology at The Nairobi West Hospital is a game-changer for patients across Kenya and the surrounding regions. Until now, patients requiring advanced diagnostic services like the PET scan had to travel abroad, often at great expense. With the digital AI Enabled PET Scan now available in-house, ”added Mutua.
The Nairobi West Hospital offers a more accessible and cost-effective option for those in need. The FDG PET scan is priced at KES 50,000, while the PSMA PET scan, another advanced diagnostic tool available at the hospital, costs KES 65,000.
The hospital is currently accepting NHIF covers, thereby alleviating the financial burden on patients who previously had to pay in cash. They now have the option to utilize NHIF and other insurance plans available to them as explained by Dr. Mutua.
“NHIF does provide coverage for PET scan services at The Nairobi West Hospital. Whether you are a civil servant or an individual contributor to the NHIF National scheme, you are eligible for coverage, subject to the activation status of your card, as well as the specific benefits and limitations outlined in your plan.”
Dr. Mutua further emphasizes, “The digital AI Enabled PET Scan is a revolutionary technology that is set to redefine cancer diagnosis in Kenya. Its enhanced specificity and accuracy in cancer diagnosis and evaluation promise a new era of precision medicine, directly benefiting our patients by offering more accurate diagnoses, leading to more effective treatment plans.”
The Nairobi West Hospital’s commitment to bringing the latest medical technologies to Kenya reflects its dedication to improving healthcare standards and making advanced medical services more accessible to Kenyans. This initiative not only helps patients cut down on medical expenses and logistics but also underscores the hospital’s role in the national effort to combat cancer more effectively.