The University of Ghana Medical Centre Ltd. (UGMC), a facility jointly-owned by government and the University of Ghana, has opened a new radiology learning centre to train healthcare professionals from Ghana and the West African sub-region.
The training centre is established in partnership with Forte Medical Ltd. and comes with Nanox Arc 3D multi-source system devices installed – cutting-edge medical imaging technology, in addition to many other Israeli technologies to support healthcare delivery in the country.
The Nanox Arc digital 3D multi-source system is said to provide high-quality images, making it easier for radiologists to make more accurate diagnoses. It will provide a platform for researchers, physicians and students to learn and collaborate on latest advancements in the field.
According to UGMC management, training Radiographers and Radiologists on this state-of-the-art technology will ensure the socioeconomic status of patients does not become a barrier to the attainment of quality health care.
With UGMC about to get accreditation for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, the new radiology training centre will play a vital role in training and developing the skills of radiologists and other medical professionals.
The integration of these advanced technologies into the training curriculum will provide medical professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with these cutting-edge technologies, thereby enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr. Darius Osei, in his address mentioned that the UGMC Radiology Learning Centre and Nanox Arc Digital Tomography demo room represent a major investment in the future of medical technology in Ghana.
He emphasised that the hallmark of UGMC is provision of world-class healthcare, and so it believes the partnership with Forte Medical in introducing Nanox technologies will help UGMC continue to make a difference in the lives of patients across the continent.
“This new facility provides a unique opportunity for our community to engage with new and innovative technologies that are shaping the future of radiology. This investment in the future of medical technology will have a positive impact on the medical community and country as a whole.
“This partnership is just the beginning of our collaboration with industry leaders to bring the latest and greatest technology into the UGMC community,” he said.
The UGMC CEO indicated that the next step is garnering the needed resources to acquire a phantom for the Nanox Arc that will take training sessions to the next level – as the phantom can mimic real-life disease conditions.
The Director of the UGMC – MTSC, Prof Aaron Lawson, reiterated that these technologies are game-changers in the medical field and are set to revolutionise the way of diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
“This machine uses a 3D imaging technique to detect abnormalities in the body with remarkable precision, making it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat medical conditions. The AI-powered x-ray equipment, on the other hand, has the ability to learn from previous scans and adapt to the unique needs of each patient. This technology not only makes diagnosis faster and more accurate, but also reduces the exposure of patients to radiation,” he said.
The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, in a speech read on his behalf expressed excitement about how the UGMC, after President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned the phase-II project in June 2022, is already launching an innovative radiology learning centre to train medical professionals.
“We have been informed that this partnership between UGMC and Forte Medical was facilitated by the Israel Economic and Trade Mission to Ghana. This is an exemplary gesture worth emulating by other trade missions in Ghana in the area of Health Services,” he stated.
