PMA urges immediate operationalization of Gamma Camera at Mayo Hospital Lahore

By Dr Ansab Ali
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called for the immediate activation of a non-functional Gamma Camera at Mayo Hospital Lahore, expressing concern over prolonged delays that are affecting patient care.
In a statement, PMA President Prof. Shahid Malik said the diagnostic imaging facility, installed around six years ago through a third-party arrangement, has yet to become fully operational.
A Gamma Camera is a critical nuclear imaging tool used for diagnosing complex medical conditions. Despite repeated efforts by hospital authorities to secure regulatory approvals from the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, the facility has not been made available for routine patient use.
The PMA noted that the involved company, Digionics, had previously provided limited support, conducting around 220 diagnostic tests free of cost, with the most recent performed in March 2026. However, these services have not continued on a regular basis.
According to the association, the company has submitted three proposals to operationalize the facility: outsourcing services with human resources at a cost of Rs. 14,000 per test, outsourcing without human resources at Rs. 10,000 per test, or an annual maintenance contract worth Rs. 1.25 crore.
Prof. Shahid Malik stressed that the continued delay is depriving patients—particularly those requiring nuclear imaging—of timely diagnosis and treatment. He urged the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Punjab to urgently evaluate and approve one of the proposals to ensure immediate functionality.
“The availability of such essential diagnostic facilities is crucial for improving patient care in public sector hospitals. Any further delay will continue to burden patients both financially and clinically,” he said.
The PMA called on authorities to take swift action in the interest of public health and restore the service at the earliest.