Nyein Chan Aung, a leading figure in development of medical technology, remains hopeful about what’s next. That mobile CT scanners—of which there could be many—can change how all Australians access healthcare. These new and novel machines provide fast access to lifesaving medical imaging services for local rural and remote communities. They tackle the lack of healthcare providers in these communities. This project addresses major health care priorities. Backed by Monash University’s Design Health Collab and Micro-X, it’s meant to reach the millions of people who dwell beyond the edges of metropolitan areas.
Unlike stationary CT machines, the mobile scanners each weigh just 225 kilograms. This allows them to be made drastically lighter than conventional devices, which typically weigh in at about two tons. This benefits their portability, making for easy transport to community-based and underserved regions. There, residents are subjected to lengthy wait times for essential imaging services.
Innovative Design and Collaboration
Monash University in Australia is at the forefront of designing a new generation of CT scanners. On this project they’re working with fellow Australians Micro-X and the Johns Hopkins University in the USA. Together, this partnership underlines a dedication to bettering medical imaging access for all Australians.
According to Dr. Nyein Chan Aung, THAIC project lead and co-founder, the project represented a total reinvention of traditional CT scanner designs. He stated, “The thing we’re working on is a complete rethinking of how the CT should be — we’re rebuilding it.” This innovative approach aims to create a device that not only provides high-quality imaging but is practical for deployment in rural settings.
Dr. Aung underscored the significance of this technology as a byproduct of our close partnership. This topic is particularly pertinent to Australia, given our geographic challenges and the ongoing lack of healthcare professionals outside capital cities. At present, just 15% of radiologists and 17% of medical imaging technologists work away from metropolitan areas.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Over seven million Australians live in rural or remote areas, and many face significant delays in receiving necessary medical imaging services. Dr. Aung highlighted the critical need for such innovations, stating, “Seven million Australians live in rural or remote areas, and stroke patients outside the big city areas often have to wait three to six hours longer to receive any sort of imaging, which essentially reduces all chances of having a good recovery.”
Omeo District Football Netball League president Ray Gallagher is a passionate advocate for the introduction of mobile CT scanners. For one, he believes these scanners will address dire needs in rural communities. He remarked, “Anything that makes things safer for people in our area or any area is a good thing.” According to Gallagher, the goal is to connect these scanners with heli-med services so that care can reach people in remote areas five minutes sooner.
Sue Carroll, nurse manager at Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre, said she was “very excited” about the pilot. She added that increasing access to mobile CT scanners would improve care delivery in rural communities. “That sort of thing would work if you knew they were coming into the area … to be able to book ahead,” Carroll said.
Future Prospects and Funding
Looking ahead to the next phase of the project, Dr. Aung highlighted the importance of building lasting collaborations. To make mobile CT scanners a reality across Australia, he argues securing funding is key. “We’re actively seeking partners and funding sources for Australia,” he stated. It’s an exciting opportunity, and this initiative can be a tremendous success. If it does, millions of Australians stand to enjoy improved health benefits, including the most disadvantaged people with reduced access to health services.
