News / National
Mpilo Central Hospital secures MRI scan
29 Oct 2023 at 08:31hrs | Views
The government has procured advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines for Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare. This development is expected to lower costs for patients in need of MRI services and enhance healthcare provision in the country.
The installation of these machines is currently underway at the two hospitals as part of the Second Republic's commitment to providing healthcare services to all. Previously, MRI scans were only available at private healthcare facilities and cost at least US$500 per scan, making it unaffordable for many patients. MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing conditions affecting soft tissue damage, cancers, tumors, ligament damage, joint injuries, and diseases.
Dr. Narcisius Dzvanga, the Chief Medical Officer for Mpilo Central Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm about the new MRI machine, which is set to have a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the southern region served by the hospital. He mentioned that the machine was procured through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and an identical machine is being installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Dr. Dzvanga explained that MRI scans have distinct advantages over Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. He described the MRI machine as high-resolution and superior in detail compared to a CT scan. Radiologists consider MRI scans as more advantageous for certain parts of the body, particularly for cancer staging.
The demand for MRI services at Mpilo Central Hospital has been substantial, with daily requests for MRI scans, X-rays, and CT scans, particularly by neurosurgeons and general surgeons. The hospital had previously referred patients to private institutions for these services, but now, they are the only public health institution in the southern region equipped with an MRI machine.
Regarding the cost of the service to patients, Dr. Dzvanga emphasized that they would strive to keep it affordable. The hospital is a regulated institution, and the government is committed to ensuring that healthcare services are affordable to everyone. Certain patient groups, such as those above 65 years old, under five years old, and pregnant women, receive services free of charge, and the hospital intends to make the MRI service accessible to a wide range of patients.
The installation of these machines is currently underway at the two hospitals as part of the Second Republic's commitment to providing healthcare services to all. Previously, MRI scans were only available at private healthcare facilities and cost at least US$500 per scan, making it unaffordable for many patients. MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing conditions affecting soft tissue damage, cancers, tumors, ligament damage, joint injuries, and diseases.
Dr. Narcisius Dzvanga, the Chief Medical Officer for Mpilo Central Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm about the new MRI machine, which is set to have a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the southern region served by the hospital. He mentioned that the machine was procured through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and an identical machine is being installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Dr. Dzvanga explained that MRI scans have distinct advantages over Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. He described the MRI machine as high-resolution and superior in detail compared to a CT scan. Radiologists consider MRI scans as more advantageous for certain parts of the body, particularly for cancer staging.
The demand for MRI services at Mpilo Central Hospital has been substantial, with daily requests for MRI scans, X-rays, and CT scans, particularly by neurosurgeons and general surgeons. The hospital had previously referred patients to private institutions for these services, but now, they are the only public health institution in the southern region equipped with an MRI machine.
Regarding the cost of the service to patients, Dr. Dzvanga emphasized that they would strive to keep it affordable. The hospital is a regulated institution, and the government is committed to ensuring that healthcare services are affordable to everyone. Certain patient groups, such as those above 65 years old, under five years old, and pregnant women, receive services free of charge, and the hospital intends to make the MRI service accessible to a wide range of patients.
Source - The Sunday News
