THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING Hospital of Butare (Chub) has unveiled a modern computed tomography (CT) scan, which is expected to boost the quality of services at the referral hospital.CT scans use a computer that takes data from several X-ray images of structures inside a human’s body and converts them into pictures. The machine forms a full three-dimensional computer model of a patient’s internal organs, which gives doctors opportunities to even examine the body’s narrow slice at a time to pinpoint specific affected areas.Chub becomes the first hospital outside the City of Kigali to operate such a modern equipment. Officials said patients requiring the services had in the past to be referred to hospitals in Kigali, mainly at King Faycal Hospital or at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (Chuk).Dr Augustin Sendegeya, Chub acting director-general, told The New Times on Tuesday that the CT scan has been operational since last week. The service has so far served about 20 patients, Sendegeya said."This equipment will help us to provide the most quality healthcare to patients,” Dr Sendegeya said, noting that it will help medical staff to get clearer images which will give them more details about a patient’s situation before prescribing any medication or treatment."It will also cut on the cost that some patients had to undergo to get these services in Kigali,” he added.The official also said they are expecting more patients, including those from some neighbouring countries, to come for the scanning services at the hospital, thus increasing its revenues.The CT scan was procured in 2010 at an estimated $300,000 (about Rwf200 million), according to officials. From idle to functionalHowever, installation processes and pre-use tests to ensure it does not emit dangerous radiations that could put the lives of patients under risks took long to complete due to what officials said were evident slow administrative and procurement procedures.During her two visits to the Huye-based hospital, first in June and then a fortnight ago,  Dr Agnes Binagwaho, the minister for health, complained about the scan machine which was lying idle. She told Chub officials they would lose the CT machine to other hospitals if they did not make use of it.Dr Sendegeya, who was appointed Chub director-general in June, then vowed to put the CT scan to use in the shortest period possible.Patients have expressed optimism after the introduction of the scanning services at the hospital with many of them saying they hope to spend less money on it.Gerard Rwajekera, who has experienced continued headaches for years despite regular medical check-ups, said as he moved out of the scanning room that he expects his situation to be made clear for a durable solution.Rwajekera, who said he has planned to travel to Kigali for the same services, noted that he was "happy to have been able to cut on the money I would have spent’ to access the same services."I am happy to have accessed this service closer and hope the tests will help me get adequate treatment,” said Rwajekera, a resident of Gishamvu Sector.