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Kumaka hospital gets new $60M digital X-ray system
The Ministry of Health on Sunday commissioned a new $60 million GE digital x-ray,
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony underscored the government’s commitment to modernising healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to world-class medical services across Guyana.
According to the ministry, Dr. Anthony highlighted that the installation of the digital x-ray machine marks a major leap forward from the outdated analogy, film-based systems that had been in use for decades.
“For many years, we struggled with old x-ray equipment, some as old as 25 to 30 years, which relied on films and darkroom processing. We therefore made a deliberate decision to phase out all analogy x-ray units and standardise modern digital systems across the country,” he said.
The $60-million GE digital x-ray system which has been commissioned at the Kumaka District Hospital.
The ministry has reportedly been upgrading hospitals with new machines and adopted three internationally recognised imaging brands, Siemens, Philips, and GE (General Electric), as the national standard for digital radiography which have reliability and exemplary imaging quality.
Further, to facilitate this machine, substantial infrastructural and electrical works were completed for the new unit. “These systems are extremely sensitive and require stable power. We installed specialised electrical wiring, voltage stabilisers, backup power systems, and a modern generator, ensuring that the x-ray service remains operational even during power outages,” Dr. Anthony explained.
During his remarks, he noted that the staff is undergoing training to ensure efficient use and management of the advanced equipment.
Additionally, the ministry disclosed that as part of additional upgrades, the ministry will soon install a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). This system will allow digital images to be transmitted to specialist radiologists in Georgetown for expert interpretation, often within minutes.
“This capability ensures that doctors here can access specialist support whenever needed. It significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and patient care,” the minister related.
Dr. Anthony also revealed that the health ministry is currently piloting an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for automated X-ray interpretation at the Enmore Regional Hospital. If the pilot proves successful, they intend to expand this technology to other hospitals, including Kumaka, allowing AI to assist in reading x-rays and other imaging studies.
He reaffirmed that these investments are part of the government’s wider modernisation agenda aimed at strengthening regional health services and ensuring that all Guyanese, regardless of location, have access to timely, high-quality diagnostic care.
Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairman Paul Pierre said the commissioning of the digital x-ray system reflects a broader commitment to improving health services even in the most remote communities.
“I can tell you that the number of health facilities built in some of our most remote areas tells a powerful story. We continue to see meaningful development and it shows that the government is serious about making healthcare accessible to all the people of Region One,” Pierre said.
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