A diagnostic centre simultaneously using the most up-to-date PET CT and PET MR medical diagnostic equipment currently available – the first such centre in Central Europe – was inaugurated at Kaposvár University on 26 March, 2014. As a result of the investment worth some HUF 3 billion, an efficient to operate state-owned diagnostic centre of a world standard is now at the disposal of people living in the region, Minister of State for Infrastructure Pál Völner said upon the inauguration the establishment.

The combined application of PET and computed tomography (CT) is expected to be replaced by the co-application of PET and magnetic resonance based screening (MR), a technique that emerged a few years ago, in future. The equipment that combines the characteristic features of the technologies at the most perfect level of quality attained so far provides more efficient imaging, thus giving a more precise picture of the stages of cancerous diseases and facilitating choosing the most adequate therapy. The first PET MR instrument in Hungary means a several years’ technological advantage since there are no such instruments operating either in Central or in Southern Europe.

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The property accommodating the centre has been established as an investment of Kaposvár University; the diagnostic equipment and machinery have been purchased and are under installation. The investment has been implemented using an investment credit facility of the Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) Ltd. and development capital provided by MFB Invest Ltd. After the necessary licenses have been obtained and conditions met, the PET centre is to start operation this summer. The development is to open up 25-30 new work places and the number of employees may further rise if the service expands. The training of highly qualified experts (doctors, chemists, physicists, pharmacists and specialists with degrees) is continuous.

The screening centre is to primarily perform human diagnostic screenings, serving patient care as well as research and experimental measurements. The investment has enabled setting up a therapeutic, research and educational centre in Kaposvár unique at the European level.

(Ministry of National Development)