BAEC moves to strengthen PET radiopharmaceutical supply system

To reinforce Bangladesh's cancer diagnostic infrastructure, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission held a high-level meeting on Saturday to assess demand for cyclotron-based PET radiopharmaceuticals across public and private PET-CT centres and strengthen its national supply chain.

The meeting, entitled "Assessing Demand for Cyclotron-Based PET Radiopharmaceuticals at Private and Public PET-CT Centres and Strengthening the Supply System of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission", was held at Alpha Hall, the commission's headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise and improve diagnostic services for cancer and other complex diseases nationwide.

Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain attended the meeting as the chief guest.

He underscored that an uninterrupted supply of radiopharmaceuticals, alongside expanded PET-CT services, is essential to meet the rising needs of cancer patients and advance medical care in Bangladesh.

He further emphasised the need for robust coordination and partnership between the public and private sectors.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Member (Planning) Md Hasinur Rahman and Member (Bioscience) Dr Mahfuza Khan attended the meeting as special guests.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam chaired the meeting.

Globally, PET-CT technology is vital for early and precise detection of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and other complex conditions.

Cyclotron-based PET radiopharmaceuticals are central to this technology, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and facilitating advanced treatment planning for patients.

As PET-CT services expand in Bangladesh, ensuring a timely, high-quality supply of these radiopharmaceuticals has emerged as a national priority.

Representatives from public and private PET-CT centres, nuclear medicine and PET-CT imaging specialists, cyclotron technologists, experts involved in radiopharmaceutical production and supply, and senior officials of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission attended the meeting.

Participants called for coordinated public-private initiatives to ensure the timely, high-quality supply of cyclotron-based PET radiopharmaceuticals to meet surging demand for PET-CT services.

They also discussed enhancing cooperation to improve nuclear medicine services and broaden access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Representatives from leading PET-CT service providers, including Evercare Hospital Dhaka, Ibn Sina Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre, Combined Military Hospital, Medinova Medical Services Ltd and United Hospital Limited, attended the meeting.

Speakers said the meeting's recommendations would help create a more effective, coordinated, and sustainable production and supply system for radiopharmaceuticals essential to PET-CT services.