Nuclear medicine serves thousands of patients in Bolivia

The director of this specialized structure, Hortensia Jimenez, confirmed that this result represents a milestone in the country of the Altiplano by making available the latest technologies to combat cancer to the low-income population.

According to official data, 77 percent of the patients who received treatment at the center recovered with independence, that is, the ability to work, Jimenez said in an interview with the Bolivia TV channel.

Located in Barcopata, District 8 of El Alto, the facility required a $50 million investment in civil construction and equipment.

“The most beautiful thing is to see humble people entering the center and receiving treatment with PET (positron emission tomography) and the accelerator, with the same possibility as other citizens who can be treated abroad, is what most satisfies ABEN Jiménez.

This institution combines the fields of nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, brachytherapy oncology and ambulatory chemotherapy for the comprehensive care of cancer patients, allowing for early detection and timely application of treatment.

The portfolio said that the statistical information obtained during the 12 months of work will allow the Ministry of Health to set policies to combat oncological diseases.

Jimenez described that 64 percent of the services provided were external radiotherapy, that is, using linear accelerators, the care most requested by the health funds and the unified health system.

The scientific body added that 20 percent of the benefits correspond to clinical oncology, nine units out of 100 for nutrition and psychology, three units out of 100 for nuclear medicine, three units out of 100 for internal radiotherapy, and one unit out of 100 for pain management.

Regarding the origin of those served, Jimenez specified that they come from different areas of urban and rural areas, but 15 percent correspond to rural areas.

With regard to gender, he noted that half of the patients were women with prevalence of cervical cancer (24 percent) and breast cancer (19 units out of 100).

Of the men who attended, seven percent had prostate disorders and five percent had head and neck conditions.

An institution of this kind is also operating in Santa Cruz and soon La Paz will have another modern center for nuclear medicine.

jf/jpm