Kisubi Hospital received a new MRI machine from Germany that makes Uganda only the second African country to have one. The Siemens Magnetom Flow Plus scanner arrived and places Uganda behind South Africa for advanced medical imaging technology. Hospital workers are setting up the equipment for patients who need better medical scans. The machine helps doctors find diseases faster and more accurately than older models. East and Central Africa has never seen this type of scanner before.
The new scanner uses smart computer technology and needs less helium gas to work properly. Old MRI machines cost hospitals lots of money because helium gas costs too much and runs out quickly. This machine saves money on power bills and makes scans happen faster for sick people. Doctors can spot cancer and brain problems earlier when they use better equipment. Fewer trained workers are needed to run the machine because computers help do the work.
Uganda has fewer than 20 working MRI scanners for all its people right across the country. Many sick patients travel to other countries like South Africa and India for good medical scans. The new machine might stop people from leaving Uganda for medical care. Scan prices could drop because the machine uses less electricity and costs less to operate. Hospital leaders expect the scanner to start working within several weeks after final testing.
The new scanner uses smart computer technology and needs less helium gas to work properly. Old MRI machines cost hospitals lots of money because helium gas costs too much and runs out quickly. This machine saves money on power bills and makes scans happen faster for sick people. Doctors can spot cancer and brain problems earlier when they use better equipment. Fewer trained workers are needed to run the machine because computers help do the work.
Uganda has fewer than 20 working MRI scanners for all its people right across the country. Many sick patients travel to other countries like South Africa and India for good medical scans. The new machine might stop people from leaving Uganda for medical care. Scan prices could drop because the machine uses less electricity and costs less to operate. Hospital leaders expect the scanner to start working within several weeks after final testing.
