By Winnie Osika
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has acquired a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine that will be in operation 24 hours a day.
For at least two years, the biggest referral hospital in the country, has been operating without a MRI machine but has finally acquired one courtesy of Philips Africa.
Previously, patients who sort MRI services were referred to private hospitals or turned back away.
KNH in collaboration with Philips Africa has commissioned a state-of-the-art MRI machine that will strengthen diagnosis services at the hospital.
The machine was officially launched by the KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri and Philips Africa CEO Jasper Westerink.
The MRI machine, which is government funded and the first of its kind in a public hospital, is one of the most sophisticated machines available in the region.
The new Ingenia 3.0T MR System will boost service delivery at KHN’s radiology department by delivering premium quality images with digital clarity and speed thereby remove the backlog of patients who require MRI services.
Currently, KNH receives at least 80 patients each day who require MRI services.
Speaking at the commissioning event, KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri said, “The MRI machine will revolutionize our way and means of serving Kenyans and in keeping up with the national goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Knowing Kenyatta is the apex of the UHC, this new MRI machine will streamline and give Wanjiku the optimum in terms of diagnosis and treatment.”
Philips CEO Jasper Westerink noted they are committed to ensuring that as many Kenyans as possible access quality affordable healthcare.
“This new MRI machine will be in operation for at least 10 years. We are engaging the Kenyan government at all levels to ensure Kenyans can access affordable healthcare not only at national level but also at county level. “Said Westerink.
KNH CEO Dr. Kamuri confirmed that they have enough qualified staff and capacity to operate the MRI machine.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside part of the body.
