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Health
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Patients at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra can now access MRI scans free of charge under a new diagnostic partnership between the hospital and HealthTech Ghana Limited.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen programme, Vivian Odarko Armah, Business Development Manager at HealthTech Ghana Limited, and Captain Jude Nunatey, Public Relations Officer at 37 Military Hospital, explained how patients can take advantage of the new service.
Who qualifies for a free MRI
According to Ms Armah, any patient with a doctor’s request form for an MRI qualifies for a scan. Patients without a referral can register as outpatients at the hospital, where their details will be taken before they are directed to the MRI building for booking.
She stressed that a medical request form from a doctor remains a requirement before any patient can be attended to.
Scanning times and booking process
Ms Armah said scanning times vary depending on the area being examined, with a brain scan taking about 30 minutes, and up to an hour where contrast is required. Due to existing demand, patients are booked and given a scheduled date and time rather than being attended to immediately.
Helium-free technology
On the equipment driving the service, Ms Armah said the MRI machine, supplied by HealthTech Ghana, is a Philips system that uses helium-free technology. She explained that this makes the machine more reliable and efficient compared to conventional MRI systems, which depend on helium for their magnet systems.
Hospital’s diagnostic expansion
Captain Nunatey said the hospital currently has one MRI machine in operation, alongside CT scan and X-ray services that were reintroduced earlier. He described the MRI as the latest addition to the hospital’s diagnostic offering, with further expansion planned.
The free MRI initiative follows the official opening of Ghana’s first Philips helium-free MRI and diagnostic centre at the 37 Military Hospital earlier this month. The public-private partnership between HealthTech Ghana and the Ministry of Defence was designed to restore and significantly expand diagnostic services at the hospital.
At the official opening, HealthTech Ghana CEO Daniel Morkla said the partnership would restore trust in what public healthcare in Ghana can achieve.
