Riyadh: In a milestone highlighting the advancement of regulatory frameworks and the strategic integration of the aviation and health sectors, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has been granted a Dangerous Goods Preparer Certificate (DGPC), becoming the first hospital in the Kingdom officially licensed to prepare and transport radiopharmaceuticals by air.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this recognition follows the hospital's establishment of specialized facilities for producing radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with the highest approved standards.

The certificate was issued in line with the Executive Regulations for Aviation Safety (Part 109) after the hospital met all required global technical and logistical standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety and compliance with local and international regulations governing the transport of these sensitive materials.

The license is particularly significant due to the nature of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine and CT imaging departments. It aims to address several objectives, including overcoming time constraints by accelerating air transport from Riyadh to other regions of the Kingdom, given the materials' limited shelf life and short radioactive half-life, thereby ensuring timely delivery to patients.

The license also supports the nuclear medicine system by meeting the growing needs of hospitals nationwide and ensuring the continuity of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services with maximum efficiency. Furthermore, it enhances the overall efficiency of the healthcare system by reducing reliance on lengthy land transport and leveraging the air network to maintain the quality and effectiveness of these vital medical materials.