SESARAM states that there is no break in the response clinic for cancer patients and guarantees that cancer patients throughout the region are an absolute priority. The statements follow a headline in the DIÁRIO newspaper, where they report that the Region’s Health Unit CT scanner no longer has contrast CT capacity, and that patient treatment is being postponed because of a lack of viable CT scans.
In a statement sent to local media agencies, SESARAM states that they must clarify the situation. Firstly, they condemn the false and irresponsible allegations, categorically stating that it is not acceptable that the integrity of the health unit should come under such criticism, which negates the work of health professionals and jeopardises the trust the general public has in the Regional Health System.
“Contrary to what is insinuated, there is currently no market for the current models of Computed Tomography equipment. This technology has been globally discontinued. What SESARAM has acquired is state-of-the-art technology, which uses artificial intelligence, higher acquisition speed, and superior image quality, and the recent update of the central TAC equipment can now perform 80 exams per day. Older models can only handle 64. This represents a significant investment in modernisation, translating into objective gains in diagnosis speed and accuracy. However, any increase in production must be carried out responsibly, ensuring clinical safety, respect for the learning curve of technical staff, and the quality of the results. Therefore, we must work gradually and responsibly.”
“The accusation that ‘technical assistants choose patients’ for examinations is absolutely false and harmful to professional ethics. All contrast-enhanced examinations require, by law, validation and medical presence, as well as the signing of informed consent by the user. The screening is exclusively clinical and complies with strictly national legislation and the protocols defined by the GOOD medical practices,” reiterates the SESARAM press statement.
As for the report by external entities, in specific situations when overloaded, as legally provided, SESARAM will use “an external entity duly contracted, ensuring the report of the exams within the established deadlines. This contract includes sanctioning clauses in the event of non-compliance, protecting the interests of users, and ensuring the continuity and reliability of the clinical service. As said, the delivery time of a report after a CT scan is on average 1.5 days.”
As already mentioned in statements that appear in the article published by the DIÁRIO newspaper, “in 2024, SESARAM carried out a total of 42,886 TACs. In the first six months of this year, 29,057 TACs have already been carried out, evidencing a consistent and growing number of cancer diagnoses. “These numbers prove that both equipment – the one installed in the Central Service of Radiology and Neuroradiology, which operates from Monday to Friday, and the existing machine in the A&E Department is available 24/7 – are fully operational and at the service of the population.”
Finally, responding to the article, SESARAM states that there are no problems in cancer patient treatment. There is, indeed, a system in modernisation, sustained in the competence of its professionals and in the strategic orientation of a Government that prioritises health, transparency, and investment. Concluding, they remind everyone that SESARAM asks for a calm and measured approach when discussing health and that misinformation scares and alarms, especially when citing cancer patients, and that unethical news articles call into question the work of hundreds of professionals and disrespect those undergoing treatment.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
