By Bondry Kilenga
Kotido General Hospital’s Imaging Department has received a crucial upgrade of a portable digital X-ray machine equipped with computer-aided detection software for tuberculosis (TB) and other respiratory diseases.
The X-ray machine was installed and operationalized on Wednesday by Ministry of Health officials in an event attended by hospital leadership and district leaders led by Kotido deputy RDC John Magezi Lukooki.
This equipment is part of 48 X-ray machines provided by the US government through PEPFAR and USAID, a gift valued at over $5 million, approximately Shs18 billion aimed at enhancing TB screening across Uganda.
Previously, Kotido General Hospital, operated without an X-ray, forcing referrals to distant facilities like Matany Hospital, Moroto Regional referral hospital and Soroti among others.
Now, Dr. Gabriel Acheboi, the medical superintenden Kotido hospital, confirms the new machine will enable on-site X-ray services, improving workflow and collaboration through digital image sharing.
“With the equipment in place workflow, would improve as digital images can be stored, shared, analyzed hence enhanced efficiency and collaboration among health professionals in the hospital” said Dr. Acheboi.
Dr. Emmanuel Tyeyongera, a senior medical officer at the Ministry of Health and TB and Leprosy program coordinator for Karamoja sub-region, emphasized that the X-ray machine plays a vital role in timely diagnosis, and equitable access to healthcare.
In his part Kotido Deputy RDC John Magezi Lukooki lauded the government’s response, warning healthcare workers against extorting from patients for X-ray services.
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