Portable X-ray machine brings faster TB tests to rural central
Rural communities in parts of Central Province are now benefiting from a new portable X-ray machine that is helping doctors diagnose tuberculosis [TB] faster and more efficiently.
With limited access to advanced health services in the province, the donation of the portable X-ray machine by the Latter-Day Saints Church to the Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital has made a significant difference for patients in remote areas.
The machine, equipped with a built-in camera, allows medical teams to travel to villages and take x-ray images of patients on-site, reducing the need for long and costly trips to hospitals.
Acting Director for Curative Services with the Central Provincial Health Authority, Dr Oviabue, praised the impact of the new technology and thanked the Latter-Day Saints for their recent donation of medical equipment valued at over K700,000.
“The equipment is helping TB patients get tested very quickly,” Dr. Oviabue said.
He said the portable x-ray machine is already improving early diagnosis and treatment for patients across rural Central Province.
"The portable x-ray we took out to Hula had a total of 197 patients seen, and about 14 new cases of TB were diagnosed that were among the community," he said.
Dr Oviabue said the sick people are often left in the villages, do not get tested, and they die without knowing they had TB.
The new X-ray machine will now help to prevent the spread and save many lives in the remote villages.
"They don't want to come to the facility, so we are going to them, and so far, we have found out 14 new cases," Dr Oviabue said.