MEC Manzini inspecting the machine
By Kopano Dibakwane
The MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, Sasekani Manzini, visited Mapulaneng Hospital in Bushbuckridge, to spearhead the launch of digital X-ray machines.
Manzini said that replacing analogue X-rays with digital X-rays aligns with the Department’s effort to have high-tech diagnostic equipment in the hospitals, which is aimed at ensuring that specialised services are accessible to everyone, including rural communities.
According to Manzini, Mapulaneng Regional Hospital is one of the referral hospitals in the province, it serves hospitals such as Tinstwalo, Matibidi, Matikwane and 8 surrounding Public Health Care facilities.
“ As a Department, we took a decision to digitalise X-rays in all the hospitals in the province. This is a very expensive undertaking that we have made as a department, hence, the decision to implement this project in a phase-in approach over a period of time. Having digital X-rays will greatly reduce the turn around time for X-rays, early diagnosis and treatment,” said Manzini.
The MEC mentioned that the hospital will now boast 2 fixed and 2 mobile X-ray machines. She said that each ward at the hospital will now have a viewing point where doctors will be able to view the X-ray images after the patient has undergone the process.
She added that the challenge of storage for X-ray films for patients is now a thing of the past, which will furthermore reduce the waiting period in the units.
“ The mobile X-ray machines are vital for patients that are too I’ll to be wheeled to the X-ray department, they will have their X-rays taken at bedside. A total of 27 viewing points have been installed in all the wards, including OPD, Casualty, Dental and Allied Health Unit,” said Manzini.
She said that all the 3 Regional and 2 Tertiary Hospitals in the province have been digitised. This encompasses 14 hospitals in the province that are already equipped with digital X-ray machines.
According to Manzini, Carolina and Bernie Samuels Hospitals will be digitised during the 2024/2025 financial year as per plan.
