Training update for Kenyan radiologists

NAIROBI: GE Healthcare and Kenya Association of Radiologists (KAR) held a Radiology Clinic Day to train more than 100 radiologists on the latest medical imaging technologies.

KAR said limited training positions and lack of comprehensive post-masters training opportunities necessitated partnership with industry and other resource parties to promote healthcare training and continuous professional development of the radiology fraternity in the country.

Speaking during the session, senior vice-president financing for GE Healthcare East Africa, Jennifer Kinyoe, said: “Accurate diagnosis is a result of quality imaging services done with quality technology by competent healthcare professionals.

“We are honoured to partner with KAR to ensure Kenya’s medical technologists are equipped with the right skills to continue providing better outcomes for patients.”

Kinyoe said that the annual radiology day initiative was part of the company’s efforts to ensure sustainability and long-term utilisation of advanced medical technologies and solutions.

KAR chairperson Dr Elijah Kwasa said: “Kenya, like the majority of other African countries, still faces the acute challenge of training radiologists and other medical technologists.

“As a result, expensive medical equipment and machines are underutilised.

“We are excited to partner with GE Healthcare to upskill our radiologists on the latest trends in the industry.”

Participants were also exposed to Definium XR120 digital X-ray, which brings the world of digital technology to imaging facilities that rely on analogue equipment.

In Kenya, more than 1 400 healthcare professionals have been trained through the Healthcare Skills and Training Institute launched in 2016 in partnership with the ministry of health.