Belize City, Belize, November 18, 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health of Germany (BMG) donated a portable X-Ray machine to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) for use at the COVID-19 Critical Care Unit. As a follow-up to a ventilator that was delivered to the KHMHA a few weeks ago, this donation also represents efforts to strengthen the capacity of the country’s health system to save lives during and beyond the pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer of the KHMHA, Mrs. Michelle Hoare, expressed gratitude to PAHO/WHO remarking, “having a portable x-ray for dedicated use at the COVID-19 Unit will not only improve the effectiveness of the medical staff in managing COVID-19 cases, but it will also reduce the risk of cross-contamination of staff and other non-COVID-19 patients.”
While traditional film radiography continues to be effective in establishing a diagnosis, digital x-rays allow for the electronic manipulation of images in order to improve definition, which provides better image quality. As opposed to traditional x-rays, digital versions do not require development in a dark room, decreasing processing time and the use of resources. Additionally, the use of digital x-rays allows for easy storage, retrieval, and sharing of high-quality images; these features facilitate monitoring of a patient’s progress, improve clinical decision-making, and simplify medical referral.
“Presently, we are using conventional radiography, so the process of taking the x-ray and getting an image involves a lot more steps,” said Dr. Bernabe Carrillo, Interventional Radiologist at KHMHA. “So, the risk of contamination is higher than with using a digital x-ray. In terms of the risk of exposure, the digital x-ray minimizes this risk plus it is faster, which will provide a quicker diagnosis for the patients.”
PAHO/WHO’s Representative (PWR), Dr. Noreen Jack commented, “as the number of cases of COVID-19 increases in Belize, the portable X-ray machine will increase efficiency, allowing for quicker diagnoses, while improving patient safety with fewer retakes and decreased radiation exposure during the clinical care of persons hospitalized with COVID-19.”
The support being provided by PAHO/WHO through procurement of vital hospital equipment is not only intended to enhance the hospital’s capacity to manage patients with COVID-19 at present, but it will also contribute to expanding the health system’s capacity to respond to disasters and pandemics in the future.
PAHO/WHO Belize, working together with partners, will continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, providing support including technical guidance, capacity building, and the procurement of much-needed medical equipment to Belize and the Ministry of Health.
About PAHO/WHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. For further information, please contact Pete Castillo, PAHO/WHO IT/Communications at castillpet@paho.org or Zenena Moguel, PAHO/WHO Communications Consultant at moguelzen@paho.org or visit paho.org/en/belize.
