News
January 29, 2010
SVG to get new CAT Scanner

The Government is following through on its decision to source a Computed Tomography or CT Scan machine for St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

A Government official close to the issue told SEARCHLIGHT that the state may purchase two of the machines valued at US$1 million each.

When contacted, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said the decision was taken since the middle of 2009 to purchase a machine. He noted that this decision was taken after the machine at the Caribbean Medical Imaging Center (CMIC) stopped functioning.

Gonsalves disclosed that the machine will be purchased through a partnership between the Government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines and the National Insurance Services (NIS).{{more}}

“They are waiting on the manufacturer. Apparently, they are getting the latest model. That is what I was told,” said Gonsalves.

“It is a vital necessity!”

A CT machine, also called a CAT scanner, performs a non-invasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

The machine produces images that show abnormalities such as brain tumors, blood clots, strokes, or damage due to head injuries.