Nuclear Medicine Ward at Mashhad’s Ghaem Hospital has been equipped with Bone Densitometry Device, WEBDA reported.

The rare unit was purchased by certain health benefactors and was installed at Nuclear Medicine Ward at Ghaem Hospital.

Head of Nuclear Research Center Rasoul Zakavi, PhD, said that bone densitometry by Nuclear Medicine has been carried out in the world for the first time. It was initially conducted via radioactive followed by Nuclear Medicine. 

Faculty Member at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences added, “Unfortunately, in the past few years, due to the unit’s absence, Nuclear Medicine students were theoretically educated, rather than receiving thorough training. “However, from now on, they could receive practical education.”

“Prior to its purchase, public hospitals like Imam Reza and Ghaem were not equipped with bone densitometry device.”

The unit will help patients to pay less for their treatment process, according to Dr. Zakavi.

“It is used to measure bone density and since many patients with osteoporosis can be informed of level of their problem, they could track their response to treatment via the unit.”

It, also, might be efficient to treat patients with thyroid cancer, who were previously treated by thyroid hormone for a long term, as well as females who have just experienced menopause and are at the risk of osteoporosis. 

The device’s cost is over $55,000; a price that was mostly paid by health benefactors, partly by Ghaem Hospital, and a little by physicians. 

Dr Zakavi maintained that in order to use the unit, patients should lie down on its bed and put certain part of their body, generally lumbar spine or tip of thigh bone, under it. Via slow motion, the unit can scan the specific part and identify its bone density in less than five minutes.

“It could, furthermore, measure body’s fat and consequently will be useful for those aiming at making a special diet.”

The primary core of People’s Participation Council at Ghaem Hospital was established two years ago and it was fast developed.

Referring to its accomplishments, Head of Ghaem Hospital Mostafa Dastani, PhD, said, “In the past two years, it has been introduced as the top people’s participation council at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.”

 “Benefactors take part in construction, purchase, and repair of medical equipment, as well as in aiding people in need. Last year, they spent over $700,000 in diverse parts at Ghaem Hospital.”

He posed that benefactors launched Focused Emergency, Surgery Ward 1, and Narjes Building. “They also purchased certain vital devices for the hospital.”

Dr. Dastani noted, “Nuclear Medicine Ward, Laboratory, and Radiology serve the entire age groups; thereby the more they are equipped, the more they will be accomplished.”

Also, Alieh Atar, a health benefactor, said, “To purchase the unit was a right action; however, we must take bigger steps.”

“The process was time-consuming; nevertheless, in the end, we could equip the hospital with a high-quality bone densitometry unit.”

“Benefactors ought to attend meetings of People’s Participation Council and be informed on its measures,” she posed, adding, “Many benefactors become interested in charitable activities after their relatives become ill.”