THE Ministry of Health is to acquire three computed tomography (CT) multislice scanners for the three main local hospitals in time for Cricket World Cup 2007.

The scanners, regarded as being “on the cutting edge of radiographic technology,” will cost the country US$3.6 million (J$243.4 million), and will be supplied by Montego Bay-based company, Consumables Direct Sales Limited, on Claude Clarke Avenue.

The machines are used for X-ray purposes and are important in the detection of coronary artery diseases. They should be available at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), and the University Hospital of the West Indies by the end of January.

“This will enable us to be fully ready, in terms of having all of the modern technical facilities when (Cricket) World Cup 2007 is held in the Caribbean and, particularly, the events in Jamaica,” Minister of Information Donald Buchanan told Monday’s pos-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

He said that the equipment will provide the most modern medical technical equipment for CWC 2007, which begins next March, and that the contract requires that the installation be completed within six weeks.