The NT will receive a life-saving MRI licence through the Royal Darwin Hospital, the Federal Government has announced.
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Patients in the NT will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, the government said.
Meanwhile, the NT Government has previously released tenders for the CT scanner at the Katherine Hospital.
It is hoped the CT scanner will be in place in Katherine by next year.
CT scans can be used to diagnose everything from strokes and cancers to head injuries and blood clots.
Senator Nigel Scullion, said a new MRI licence, one of many promised around Australia, is expected to benefit 4000 Territory patients a year through a Medicare rebate and provide an estimated 5500 services a year.
An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.
It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.
“The Government is absolutely committed to ensuring Territorians have access to the same level of amenity as people living in other parts of Australia and I am pleased that Territorians will have easier access to MRI scans as we know early diagnosis of diseases and injuries can save lives and reduce recovery time,” Senator Scullion said.
“Under the Coalition, public hospitals in the Territory will receive $2 billion in Commonwealth funding over the five years to 2024-25, an additional $667 million compared to the previous five years - a funding increase of 50 per cent. The Country Liberals are delivering better health care for Territorians.”