KUCHING, Dec 4: The Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) became the first in the region to receive a new cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan that costs RM5.2 million.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, in his Facebook and Telegram posts today, revealed that the GE Revolution Frontier 265-slides CT scan will provide new model care for patients especially in reducing waiting times and offering earlier prevention and intervention.
“It has the ability to scan the entire body in eight seconds compared to the existing 2005 Siemen CT scan.
“This will allow SGH to serve more patients in a shorter time and save lives faster,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is a cardiologist, added that the machine is also safe for patients with lower radiation doses as well as offering sharper and crisper images that can provide greater direction on the next step of care.
“The new machine replaced the 2005 Siemen 64-slides CT scan, which was the first machine in the world, fast enough to scan the heart in seven seconds and the whole body in 28 seconds.
“It was donated by the Sarawak Heart Foundation via a fundraising led by the late Datuk Amar Laila Taib,” he said.
Another older machine, Toshiba one-slide CT scan in SGH obtained before 2005 was unable to scan the entire body.
Acknowledging the high technology and science which has transformed modern healthcare, Dr Sim pointed out that radiologists still play a key part until Artificial Intelligence (AI) replaces humans.
“I am very grateful and honoured as the pioneer cardiologist to be able to witness this.
“I am also very happy and proud to be able to do my best in ensuring seamless succession for those who will come after me and others, to give them better opportunities and continue our legacy,” he added. — DayakDaily
