On 25 September 2023 in Vienna, Austria, Rosatom State Corporation and the Algerian Commission of Atomic Energy (COMENA) signed a memorandum of understanding.
The memorandum was signed on the sidelines of the 67th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference by Boris Arseev, Division Deputy Head – International Business Director of the Rosatom State Corporation, and Abdelhamid Mellah, the COMENA commissioner.
The parties have agreed to develop long-term, efficient, and mutually beneficial cooperation in the implementation of joint projects in the field of non-energy nuclear technologies in healthcare and the development of nuclear medicine in Algeria including the development of nuclear medicine centers. The cooperation with the partner will be overseen by the Health Technologies division of JSC Rusatom Healthcare which accumulates the expertise of ROSATOM in the field of healthcare.
“ROSATOM approaches the implementation of its healthcare tasks in the most comprehensive way possible. Our work in this area includes an isotope complex and the production of radiopharmaceuticals, the production of high-tech medical equipment, the processing of medical devices and food products with ionizing radiation, and development of the nuclear medicine centers. We are pleased to have the opportunity to develop innovative peaceful nuclear technologies together with Algeria to increase the life expectancy and improve the quality of life for citizens,” – said Boris Arseev.
“The assistance of ROSATOM to COMENA in the development of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy activities in Algeria will certainly have a great impact on cancer diagnostics and treatment in our country, this will be a unique opportunity to fulfill COMENA engagement towards the implementation of the new directives of our high authorities. Having a prestigious partner such as ROSATOM will foster our success,” – emphasized Abdelhamid Mellah.
Rosatom is working on Nuclear Medicine Centers all over the world, which export over 200 types of isotope products while a great part of these products is used for diagnostics and disease treatment. Nowadays, the company is one of the five largest global suppliers of raw isotope products used in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological, cardiological, neurological and other diseases. Rosatom offers the market 16 types of in-demand medical equipment of its own design and production, as well as an integrated approach to the implementation of medical infrastructure facilities: from building design taking into account all safety requirements to equipment and training of medical personnel.
The development of non-energy nuclear technologies, specifically in the field of nuclear medicine and healthcare, holds great importance for Africa. The utilization of technologies can significantly benefit the continent by improving medical diagnostics and treatment. Innovative technologies can enhance healthcare outcomes, reduce mortality rates, and help the country in economic growth and the development of a skilled workforce.
Health Technologies (JSC Rusatom Healthcare) is a division that accumulates the expertise of the State Corporation Rosatom in the field of healthcare. The company was created based on enterprises and institutes of Rosatom with the aim of comprehensive development of medical technologies in Russia and abroad. The Health Technologies division is developing in four main areas: comprehensive solutions for medicine, production, and supply of isotope products (to 50 countries worldwide), equipment for diagnosis and therapy, and solutions for ionizing radiation treatment of products.
ROSATOM is among the top five largest global suppliers of raw isotope products used in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological disorders. In early 2023, construction of a new Rosatom plant for the production of medical isotopes began in Obninsk, the birthplace of the world’s first nuclear power plant. The facility will be constructed in accordance with international GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.
The plant will be established on the basis of the Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry subordinated to the State Corporation Rosatom and will become the leading production facility in Europe that manufactures a wide range of radiopharmaceuticals.
In addition, the Health Technologies division is a manufacturer of medical equipment for radiation therapy and brachytherapy, implements projects for the construction of nuclear medicine centers in several regions of Russia, and is building a network of multifunctional centers for processing and sterilizing medical devices and food products in Russia and abroad.
