For the first time computed tomography as a nondestructive method of study of the internal structure of the object appeared in the 70s of last century, and the theoretical foundations of their own appearance of this diagnostic method were laid in 20 years. Now it is difficult to imagine a modern high-tech medical center, which would not use this method of diagnosis. Alas, while in Russia you can speak only about the beginning of active use of this method of diagnosis, most laymen, the term computed tomography sign of serials most about Dr. House.

Meanwhile, today in Russia are imported annually about 300-400 different types of scanners, as the actual CT scanners and magnetic resonance imaging, angiography stations and gamma cameras. However, given that the total number of hospitals in Russia, about 6.5 thousand, the need for these devices ranges from 5 to 10 thousand units. At the present time of purchase scanners almost entirely financed by public funds, the number of private clinics in Russia is relatively not large. Most imported into Russia is a new CT scanners, however, there is a certain amount of used instruments, as in the 1st half of 2010 about a third of scanners are available in Russia have served to benefit medicine in other countries. Last year, former use scanners were imported less than 9% of the total, however, the bulk is imported at the end of the year and the situation in 2010 is likely to change.

Meanwhile, given the high cost of CT scanners (new devices are 0.5 to $ 15 million, used from 0.2 to 0.8 million dollars) in recent years appear to produce scanners projects in Russia. There are already three of the four largest manufacturers announced plans to localize production scanners. Back in 2007, Siemens announced the screwdriver assembly in the facilities of "Ural Optical and Mechanical Plant". This year, there is information about the beginning of the joint production of Philips with the "Elektron" (St. Petersburg), the project involves precisely the co-production with the use of Russian components. The third project announced General Electric, in cooperation with "Rostekhnologii".

There is a purely Russian project, called "Public MRI scanner - Unitom", the developers have presented a working prototype imager, production from the company yet.

Designated projects appear on the background of the scandal connected with public procurement of CT scanners at a price too high, in some cases several times. Such violations are identified and earlier, the press can find references to local corruption scandals associated with the purchase of scanners back in 2007, then they really do not get publicity. Meanwhile, the problem of corruption is part of the procurement of expensive medical equipment is very acute. Certain violations of the law can be seen even in the analysis of import statistics, for example, the same model for the new CT scanner company SIEMENS MAGNETOM AVANTO in 2010 was imported at a price almost three times the price in 2009 is unlikely that the manufacturer of the year so far has increased the holiday pay prices.

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