During the prime minister's visit to the centre, its founder and director Prof. Granov spoke about the Russian-made medical cyclotron used in the production of radiopharmaceuticals, which are used to diagnose the most difficult diseases. Prof. Granov said that the centre also carried out unique topographical research. "And this applies not only to all types of oncology, but also cardiology, psychiatry and neurology," said the professor. He also noted that even experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency come to the centre for advanced training.
According to Prof. Granov, 80 people have been operated on in the centre so far, and its doctors have achieved results comparable to those in Western countries.
Medicines produced in the centre are used to treat inhalation burns caused by fires and explosions. Prof. Granov noted that a treatment devised at the centre was used to treat Ingush President Yunus-Bek Yevkurov after the attempt on his life.
The Prime Minister viewed displays showing the centre's buildings, some of which have been restored and others waiting to be restored. Mr Putin showed an interest in buildings that have been built anew, and noted that the additional 6.2 billion roubles allotted by the government will be used to renovate the entire complex.
Next Vladimir Putin was shown into the intensive care unit where he spoke with liver and kidney transplant patients on a monitor. The cyclotron was demonstrated for the prime minister as well. He asked how much the device cost. "56 million," replied Oleg Filatov, general director of the Electrophysics and Apparatus Research Institute, which made the cyclotron.
Employees at the centre told Mr Putin that any Russian citizen can have a checkup here for 16,000 roubles. The process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. They said it was the most reliable method for diagnosing cancer and some other diseases at an early stage.