Calls to recruit more radiographers, equip health facilities
Muhangi said a national referral hospital should have about 32 radiographers, but some have only eight to 14. Regional referral hospitals are expected to have about 24 radiographers, yet some have as few as four.
Dr Micah Muhangi, president of the Society of Radiographers of Uganda, said many government facilities have far fewer radiographers than their approved staffing structures require. (Photo by Ibrahim Ruhweza)
________________
Radiographers have called for increased recruitment and investment in medical imaging equipment at government health facilities, saying shortages of personnel and resources are delaying diagnosis and forcing patients to endure long queues.
Radiographers are specialised health professionals trained to operate imaging equipment such as X-ray, ultrasound and CT scanners, which produce images of the inside of the human body. The images help doctors identify injuries and diseases and determine appropriate treatment.
Dr Micah Muhangi, president of the Society of Radiographers of Uganda, said many government facilities have far fewer radiographers than their approved staffing structures require.
He said a national referral hospital should have about 32 radiographers, but some have only eight to 14. Regional referral hospitals are expected to have about 24 radiographers, yet some have as few as four.
“When you have more equipment than people, there will always be some equipment that is not utilised. This adds to the turnaround time for patients, who have to wait longer for services,” Muhangi said.
He said patients seeking scans at public hospitals can arrive early in the morning and remain at the facility until late in the day because a small number of radiographers have to attend to large numbers of patients.
The shortage also puts pressure on available staff, who handle heavy workloads and face an increased risk of burnout.
The radiographers were speaking during a conference at Silver Springs Hotel on Friday, where professionals gathered for continuing professional development and to discuss emerging technologies, staffing and access to diagnostic services.
Muhangi said the society wants imaging services to be accessible to Ugandans regardless of where they live, rather than having specialised equipment and personnel concentrated in Kampala.
He said patients in Moroto, Kayunga or Kabale should be able to access quality diagnostic services without travelling to Kampala.
“If you have an accident and you are not able to do a CT scan, you may reach midway and die because they don't even know what they are going to manage,” Muhangi said.
He explained that imaging data can also provide evidence for planning health services. For example, if scans consistently reveal particular injuries in an area with frequent road crashes, authorities can use the information to determine where to deploy specialists and other resources.
However, the shortage of personnel is compounded by the high cost of acquiring and maintaining imaging equipment.
Arnold Nahabwe, a biomedical engineer with DHS Medical Logistics, said a 32-slice CT scanner costs between Sh900 million and Sh1.5 billion, while a digital X-ray system can cost between Sh85 million and Sh200 million.
“It is not enough to buy the equipment. You need radiographers and biomedical engineers who are trained to operate, maintain and service it,” Nahabwe said.
He said hospitals should assess their diagnostic needs before purchasing expensive equipment and ensure that personnel are trained to operate and maintain the machines.
Nahabwe said the limited market also affects the availability of advanced imaging equipment. Suppliers may sell several ultrasound and X-ray machines, he said, but CT scanners are purchased less frequently because of their high cost.
He said government procurement and donor-funded projects therefore play an important role in expanding access to advanced diagnostic services, particularly outside Kampala.
Lydia Wanyoto, the Minister of State for Public Service, said the Government recognises the need for essential health workers and relies on the Ministry of Health to identify staffing requirements before recruitment is undertaken through the Health Service Commission.
She also stressed that purchasing medical equipment must go hand in hand with maintenance, repairs and technical support.
“When you go to Mulago for scans or treatment, there are very long queues. That shows that the equipment is scarce and it is expensive,” Wanyoto said.
She said private facilities that have the equipment often charge high fees, making some diagnostic services difficult for ordinary Ugandans to afford.