The long-awaited Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment is now a reality in Anclades, having been delivered on October 5th. Housed in a new 500 m² building constructed by the Scanpy group, this cutting-edge technology complements the existing radiology center. The MRI, weighing four tons and equipped with a 1.5 Tesla magnet, required specific installation preparations. After years of effort, the town of Lourdes now possesses its own MRI, a significant symbol for local healthcare development.
The schedule is now set, with the first patient expected on October 26th. This project builds upon the development of the Paulo Coelho radiology center, managed by the Scanpy group, which opened in late 2024 and already offered a mammography unit. Obtaining approval from the Regional Health Agency and constructing the extension were crucial steps in realizing this installation.
The primary objective of this new acquisition is to sustainably enhance the imaging capabilities available in Lourdes. The equipment is registered under a conventional sector, ensuring access without exceeding standard fees for all patients, whether from the public or private sector. Mayor Thierry Lavit highlighted the importance of this ethical public-private partnership, uniting resources and expertise to meet the region's health needs.
This complementary approach extends to the local hospital, aiming to create a network where each entity – hospital, private practitioners, private structures – plays its part. The Anclades MRI is integrated into a broader healthcare ecosystem. For years, the town has sought to establish Anclades as a significant healthcare zone, complementing the Didier Garnier Municipal Health Center.
A multidisciplinary health center is under development in Anclades, led by INITIAL Santé and SNC ADIC. This project, potentially spanning 1,500 to 2,000 m², aims to host primary care services, general practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists, and specialized units for sleep disorders, speech therapy, psychology, osteopathy, and podiatry. The ambition is to streamline patient pathways by consolidating various medical and paramedical specialties.
Thierry Lavit explains that this concentration of medical equipment and services makes the area more attractive to healthcare professionals and new residents. The MRI installation is viewed as a 'domino effect,' potentially encouraging new projects, particularly in ophthalmology, and expanding local healthcare access.
