Hospital Receives CT Scanner from deCODE Genetics

Iceland’s health care system has received a new gift from deCODE genetics, crucial to the fight against cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Vísir reports that Minister of Health Kristján Þór Júlíusson accepted the CT scanner today, valued at about 800 million ISK.

In a statement from deCODE, the gift was made in light of the fact that no such machine exists in Iceland. In fact, 200 Icelanders are sent to Copenhagen every year in order to be scanned. By having the machine here, they contend, more people will likely have tests run that require the equipment.

“Tomography scans are also very important in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” their statement reads. “It is estimated that dozens of Icelanders could be sent in for such examinations if such a machine were available domestically.”

CT scanners are also critical in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as well as a slew of ailments affecting the vital organs.