In Paris, France, the European hospital Georges-Pompidou, a part of the AP-HP network, has turned to social media to appeal for donations to purchase a “photon counting scanner.” This plea has sparked questions about the state of the healthcare system in France.

The breakdown of the French healthcare system has been well-documented, with medical deserts growing every year. It seems that the government’s healthcare budget is no longer enough to fund essential equipment for one of Paris’s most important hospitals.

The hospital’s former Twitter account announced, “As the year comes to an end, we are reaching out to your generosity to help us finalize the acquisition of the first photon counting scanner.” The hospital’s website provides a detailed description of the scanner’s utility: “This revolutionary imaging technology will benefit all specialties, particularly cardiology, vascular diseases, cancer (digestive, gynecological, urological, thoracic), ENT, and musculoskeletal pathologies.”

Given the scanner’s wide-ranging importance across different hospital departments, it seems reasonable for the hospital to seek additional funding. However, instead of relying solely on public funds, the hospital is appealing to generous donors. Contributions can be made freely or by selecting predefined amounts ranging from 30 euros to 5,000 euros.

The proposed “major scientific advancement” would enable the Georges Pompidou hospital to achieve “twice as fast scanning speed,” “better tracking of cancers,” and a “40 to 50% reduction in radiation dose compared to a standard scanner.” Apparently, the state is unable to finance everything needed for the health of the French people, so they are relying on the public’s contributions to make up the difference. But remember to save a little for the next Telethon; research also needs your generosity.