Collaboration with Algeria to Expand Cancer Treatment Services

Varian Medical Systems (Palo Alto, CA, USA) has entered into an agreement with the Algerian Government’s Ministry of Health that will include the provisioning of six cancer treatment centers with USD 51 million of the latest technology for radiotherapy and radiosurgery. Varian will also establish a local unit to provide a wide range of services as well as a regional training and education center.

“We are delighted and honored to partner with the Algerian Ministry to bring Varian’s latest technologies in treatment planning and delivery for the benefit of cancer patients in this important region,” said Kolleen Kennedy, president of Varian’s oncology systems business. “We look forward to working closely with the radiation oncology community in Algeria to implement the most advanced techniques in radiotherapy and radiosurgery.”

Varian will provide each of six cancer treatment centers with three medical linear accelerators, including a TrueBeam STx radiosurgery unit, in addition to Eclipse treatment planning and ARIA oncology information management software. These will be the first TrueBeam systems in Northern Africa. Varian plans to establish a parts depot in Algeria to make system components and tools readily available to service Varian equipment as needed.

The agreement also calls for Varian to establish a regional training and education “Center of Excellence” to serve as a training hub for the region. Programs at the center will be designed to help clinicians develop the skills for using Varian technology to deliver advanced radiotherapy treatments.

Currently, Varian has an installed base of six treatment systems in Algeria, having installed its first medical linear accelerator there nearly 25 years ago. “This partnership builds on the long-standing, strong relationship we have with the Algerian Ministry of Health,” Ms. Kennedy added. “The Ministry of Health is clearly committed to expanding patient access to quality care. They are creating a solid foundation to address a growing need for advanced cancer treatment capability. We would also like to acknowledge the United States Embassy and US Department of Commerce for invaluable assistance they provided as we worked to develop this important partnership.”

Varian will begin installing technology in 2014 and expects to book approximately half of the orders in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. “The Algerian Ministry of Health is looking forward to working with Varian to offer the people of Algeria some of the world’s most advanced cancer fighting technology, together with training facilities that will help prepare local clinicians to offer quality treatments safely and effectively,” said Slim Belkessam, advisor to the Algerian Health Minister.

Varian Medical Systems is a manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and brachytherapy. The company supplies informatics software for managing cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers, and medical oncology practices.

Related Links:
Varian Medical Systems