KBC Split Assures Ministry: We Have Experts and Capacity for Cyclotron Operations

The Split University Hospital Center (KBC Split) has assured the Ministry of Health that it possesses the expert personnel and infrastructure required to operate a cyclotron and produce essential radiopharmaceuticals. This statement comes in response to queries from the Ministry, which had questioned the hospital's capacity to effectively use such advanced medical equipment.

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KBC Split has the expert staff needed for the implementation of the cyclotron project and the production of radiopharmaceuticals in Split.

KBC Split emphasized that its existing staff includes experienced nuclear medicine physicians, radiochemists, medical physicists, and pharmacists. This team forms a strong foundation for managing the complex process of radiopharmaceutical production safely and efficiently. Furthermore, specialists from KBC Split have visited other hospitals successfully implementing similar technologies, gaining direct insight into the operational, technical, and organizational demands.

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The institution already employs experienced nuclear medicine physicians, radiochemists, medical physicists, and master pharmacists, which represents a solid professional basis for safe, quality, and efficient management of this demanding process.

The hospital also stressed its responsible and professional approach to the cyclotron procurement project, in collaboration with the University of Split. Beyond medical applications, the cyclotron is expected to open numerous scientific and business opportunities for researchers in Split. KBC Split's director, Prof. Krešimir Dolić, expressed full confidence in the hospital's capabilities to realize the project based on their current knowledge, experience, and preparations.

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If it is explained in the elaboration of the report who will work on the cyclotron in Split and within what timeframe, then the state will procure the cyclotron. If we buy the cyclotron, and someone in Split doesn't know how to use it, who will be to blame? The Ministry that spent eight to 12 million euros, which is how much it costs.

This assertion directly addresses concerns raised by Tomislav Dulibić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Health. Dulibić had previously stated that the state would only procure the cyclotron if the hospital could clearly demonstrate who would operate it and within what timeframe. He questioned who would be held accountable if the expensive equipment, costing an estimated eight to 12 million euros, remained unused due to a lack of trained personnel in Split. The Ministry indicated it might request further elaboration in the investment justification report regarding the PET/CT scanner and cyclotron.

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Based on existing knowledge, experience, and preparation, we have full confidence in our own capacities for the realization of the project.