Defining the diagnostic divide : an analysis of registered radiological equipment resources in a low-income African country
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Field Epidemiology Network
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction:
Diagnostic radiology is recog
nised as a key component of modern healthcare. However there is marked inequality in global access
to imaging. Rural populations of low
-
and middle
-
income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need. Carefully coordinated healthcare planning is
required to me
et the ever increasing global demand for imaging and to ensure equitable access to services. However, meaningful planning req
uires
robust data. Currently, there are no comprehensive published data on radiological equipment resources in low
-
income countries
. The aim of this
study was to conduct the first detailed analysis of registered diagnostic radiology equipment resources in a low
-
income African country and
compare findings with recently published South African data.
Methods:
The study was conducted in T
anzania in September 2014, in collaboration
with the Tanzanian Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), which maintains a comprehensive database of the country’s registered diag
nostic imaging
equipment. All TAEC equipment data were quantified as units per million
people by imaging modality, geographical zone and healthcare sector.
Results:
There are 5.7 general radiography units per million people in the public sector with a relatively homogeneous geographical di
stribution.
When compared with the South African publ
ic sector, Tanzanian resources are 3
-
, 21
-
and 6
-
times lower in general radiography, computed
tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively.
Conclusion:
The homogeneous Tanzanian distribution of basic public
-
sector
radiological services reflects
central government’s commitment to equitable distribution of essential resources. However, the 5.7 general
radiography units per million people is lower than the 20 units per million people recommended by the World Health Organizati
on
Description
CITATION: Ngoya, P. S., Muhogora, W. E. & Pitcher, R. D. 2016. Defining the diagnostic divide : an analysis of registered radiological equipment resources in a low-income African country. The Pan African Medical Journal, 25:99, doi:10.11604/pamj.2016.25.99.9736.
The original publication is available at http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com
The original publication is available at http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com
Keywords
Radiology equipment industry -- Tanzania, Medical radiology -- Tanzania, Developing countries -- Economic conditions
Citation
Ngoya, P. S., Muhogora, W. E. & Pitcher, R. D. 2016. Defining the diagnostic divide : an analysis of registered radiological equipment resources in a low-income African country. The Pan African Medical Journal, 25:99, doi:10.11604/pamj.2016.25.99.9736