Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has announced a significant decision by the government to ensure that only digital x-ray machines will be available in the public health system across the country. This initiative aims to phase out the earlier reliance on both digital and analogue machines.
During an event on Wednesday, Dr. Anthony emphasized the inefficiencies of analogue systems, stating, “No longer should we be trying to wash films and then holding it up to the light… that’s not very useful.” He further explained that with analogue systems, incorrect images often necessitate recalling patients, leading to delays and additional complications.
With the introduction of new digital systems, Dr. Anthony highlighted the advantages: “We can take the image, enhance these images, and look for different specifics that we need to visualize to make better diagnoses for those patients.”
The digital x-ray machines being deployed across the country are sourced from reputable manufacturers, including Siemens, GE, and Philips. “These are the three major brands that we’re using, and they are among the top brands globally,” he noted.
Over the recent weekend, the Health Ministry commissioned a state-of-the-art $60 million GE digital x-ray system at the Kumaka District Hospital. In the coming months, the government plans to install 14 additional digital x-ray systems at various facilities, including those in Port Kaituma, Charity, Leonora, Leguan, Bartica, Mahdia, and villages in Regions Nine and Ten.
“So, in a matter of months, we’ll have at least 14 new digital x-rays that would be operational,” Dr. Anthony confirmed.
Additionally, he announced plans to install at least four new MRI machines in the public health system, detailing their locations: one at the new Paediatric Hospital in Ogle, one at New Amsterdam, one at West Demerara, and another at Georgetown Hospital, which is currently in the process of installation.
