"Patients Lined Up..." Controversy Over Hospital Providing Radiation Therapy to Dogs in Chile

Treatment of Dog Tumors Using Linear Accelerator
Medical Groups Protest "Unthinkable"
Debate Continues on SNS

Controversy has arisen over a hospital in Chile administering radiation therapy to a dog outside of regular medical hours, violating medical ethics.

According to reports by local daily newspapers El Mercurio and BioBioChile on the 5th (local time), it was revealed that on the 27th of last month, a dog received treatment for a nasal tumor using a Linear Accelerator at a public hospital in Valdivia, Los R?os Region, located south of the capital Santiago.

A Linear Accelerator is medical equipment that uses radiation to treat cancer. It passes high-energy X-rays or electron beams through the patient's skin to reach tumors inside the body, destroying cancer cells. Because it requires ultra-precise technology to deliver radiation doses sufficient to kill tumor cells accurately, it is an expensive device known as the "culmination of cutting-edge medical engineering."

The controversy intensified as claims emerged that nearly 30 cancer patients were on the waiting list for treatment with the Linear Accelerator.

The photo is not related to the content of the article. [Image source: Pixabay]

The hospital in question is conducting an internal investigation to ascertain the facts and has acknowledged that the dog received treatment. However, BioBioChile reported that the hospital explained, "The procedure was carried out at a level that does not affect humans and was performed outside of regular medical hours."

In response, medical organizations issued statements of opposition. They argued that even if the dog's owner requested care, such treatment would be impossible without approval from hospital officials unless it was an animal hospital. The medical organizations demanded, "The procedure by which the dog was treated must be clearly disclosed."

Christia Ojeda, the chief health official of Los R?os Region, also stated, "All permits and approvals given by health authorities to the hospital are premised on treating humans."

The issue has sparked ongoing debate on major social media (SNS) platforms in Chile. Opinions range from opposing views such as "It is absurd for animals to be prioritized over mothers or fathers" and "Whether human or dog, treatment should be received in an appropriate place," to proposals like "If shared use is possible, the system should be improved."