KMC Hospital Attavar Inaugurates State-of-the-Art DEXA Scan Facility for Bone Health Assessment
- Advanced Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry facility strengthens diagnostic services in coastal Karnataka.
Mangaluru: KMC Hospital, Attavar, inaugurated a new DEXA scan machine, a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) system, at a function held at Sushrutha Hall on the second floor of the hospital on Monday.
The new facility marks an important addition to the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities, enabling patients across the coastal region to undergo accurate assessment of their bone health.
The DEXA scanner was inaugurated by Dr. Ashfaque Mohammed, Associate Dean, KMC Mangalore, who was the guest of honour. Dr. Sudhakar Kantipudi, Chief Operating Officer, Teaching Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, also attended the programme.
A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan is widely regarded as the standard method for measuring bone mineral density. It is a quick and painless test that uses a very low dose of radiation to detect osteoporosis and osteopenia at an early stage, before a fracture occurs.
The scan is particularly useful for postmenopausal women, elderly patients, and those on long-term medication. It enables doctors to assess fracture risk and plan timely treatment. The machine can also be used for accurate body composition analysis, supporting patient management across several medical specialties.
Dr. Suprasanna, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiodiagnosis, KMC Hospital, Attavar, provided an overview of the DEXA scan facility. She explained how the machine works, the range of clinical conditions it can help assess, and how the technology will support accurate diagnosis and improved treatment planning.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sudhakar Kantipudi said, “Bone health is often overlooked until a fracture happens, and by then a lot of damage is already done. With this DEXA facility, KMC Hospital Attavar is bringing world-class diagnostic technology closer to the people of this region. Our commitment at MAHE has always been to combine advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centric care, and this facility is another step in that direction. I am confident it will benefit thousands of patients in the years to come.”
Dr. Ashfaque Mohammed said, “Osteoporosis is a silent condition that affects many people, particularly women, and yet it remains underdiagnosed. The addition of this DEXA scanner will empower our clinicians to detect bone loss early and intervene at the right time. This is a valuable resource not only for our patients but also for the teaching and research work that is central to our institution. I congratulate the team at KMC Hospital Attavar on this achievement.”
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Chakrapani M., Medical Superintendent, KMC Hospital Attavar; Dr. Deepak Madi, Deputy Medical Superintendent, KMC Hospital Attavar; and Dr. Suprasanna, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiodiagnosis, KMC Hospital Attavar, along with faculty members, consultants and hospital staff.
With the addition of the new facility, KMC Hospital Attavar continues its efforts to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare to the community and support the early detection and better management of bone-related conditions in the region.
