Acquisition of equipment for radio-therapy within the University Clinical Centre Maribor

Project completed
a man cuts a banner
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the University Medical Centre Maribor Radiology Department in Slovenia. © UKC Maribor UKC Maribor

The project aims at increasing the capacity and enhancing the access to oncological therapy through the realisation of a Department of Radiotherapy at University Medical Centre Maribor. The project will increase the share of radiotherapy treatment of cancer, reduce waiting periods for radiotherapy and improve the treatment comfort of patients from the north-eastern part of Slovenia with shorter transport and near to home care. Switzerland will contribute to the financing of the two linear accelerators.
 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Slovenia
Improving social security
Hospital modernisation
01.01.2010 - 31.12.2015
CHF  5’526’200

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

In 2007, 280.3 persons per 100’000 inhabitants died in Slovenia due to neoplasm. Only 38% of patients suffering from cancer are treated with radiotherapy, i.e., 12% less than international recommendations (min 50%). In 2007, the waiting period for radiotherapy was from 5 to 6 weeks, much longer than the 14 days recommended. Oncology Institute (OI) in Ljubljana is currently the only medical institution in Slovenia that includes a Department of Radiotherapy with linear accelerators (7). International organisations recommend 6-7 linear accelerators per million inhabitants and decentralised centres to guarantee smooth functioning in case of failure and during maintenance.

Objectives

The project aims at increasing the capacity and enhancing the access to oncological therapy through the creation of a Department of Radiotherapy at University Medical Centre Maribor. The project shall increase the share of radiotherapy treatment of cancer, reduce waiting periods for radiotherapy, relieve the Oncology Institute (OI) in Ljubljana, improve the treatment comfort of patients from the north-eastern part of Slovenia with shorter transport and near-home care; create a higher education programme of medicine within the UMC Maribor.

Target groups

Patients affected by oncological diseases of North Eastern Slovenia (800’000 inhabitants)

Activities

The overall investment project for the realisation of a Department of Radiotherapy at University Medical Centre Maribor encompasses (i): preparatory work (2009/EUR 1.5 million); (ii): construction of a new building (2010/EUR 10.8 million); (iii): procurement of equipment (2011/EUR 15.75 million). Switzerland will contribute to financing of two linear accelerators amounting to EUR 6.155 million.

Results

Achieved results:  

  • Two linear accelerators for treatment of cancer installed in the new premises of the regional University Medical Centre Maribor
  • Capacity of treatment of 1’500-1’900 patients per year
  • Treatment was before only available in the capital Ljubljana
  • Experience exchange with the Oncology Department of the Cantonal Hospital of Bellinzona
  • Staff training on the use of the linear accelerators


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’526’200 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    5’492’440 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   42’562’000
Project phases

Phase 1 01.01.2010 - 31.12.2015   (Completed)