This story illustrates the problem to a degree. Without a local -- that is North American -- medical isotope producing reactor Canadians do stand to have problems with delivery. Of course, that is true for any overseas product.
But to my mind a bigger concern is that Canada is, in the midst of a terrible world economy, letting a Canadian world leading product, in great demand, disappear.
Perhaps Canada should get out of isotope production but not without serious consideration and debate.
Hospitals in isotope crisis as shipment delayed in Europe
Crucial medical tests postponed while federal ministers warn of further shortages and blame Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
Karen Howlett and Gloria Galloway Toronto and Ottawa — From Thursday's Globe and Mail
An airplane carrying a shipment of medical isotopes was delayed at a Paris airport on Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of scores of crucial medical tests in Canada and highlighting the fragility of this country's system for detecting heart ailments and cancer.
Federal ministers of Health and Natural Resources warned of further shortages as they pointed the finger at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., the Crown corporation that owns the nuclear reactor that until a few weeks ago produced a third of the world's medical isotopes.
The aging reactor at Chalk River, Ont., was taken offline in May after it was found to be leaking heavy water. AECL officials said the reactor won't be back in operation until at least late 2009, leaving Canadian hospitals relying on foreign companies for molybdenum-99 isotopes, considered the best tool for many heart and cancer tests.
The situation that stalled the European shipment at the Paris airport was resolved, but hospitals will receive their isotopes 24 hours late, forcing them to reschedule tests for cancer, bone fractures and infections around artificial hips and knees that had been set for Friday.
James Morton
1100-5255 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6P4
416 225 2777
3 comments:
There's no contact info so I can't send you email, so I'll send you this link here. http://www.republicansforignatieff.com/
These guys hit my email this morning in what no doubt is a wider campaign (if you want a copy send me email and I'll send it to you). I thought you might want to know. Feel free to delete this post after reading.
p.s. sorry to be off topic but there's no other place to put these remarks: I would have expected some comment this: "Diane Ablonczy was stripped of responsibility for administering a major tourism funding program after she signed off on a $400,000 grant for Pride Week." http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/07/09/299328.aspx
Some scientists have said the Maple could be half done by now. South Korea uses the Maple, with a few tweaks
Post a Comment