WHO and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health have 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 recently, this donation also represents efforts to strengthen the capacity of the country’s health system to save lives during and the pandemic and beyond.
The machine will not only improve the ability of medical staff to manage 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 for 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. Digital x-rays facilitate monitoring of a patient’s progress, improve clinical decision-making,
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 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
The support being provided by WHO through procurement of vital hospital equipment is intended to enhance the hospital’s capacity to manage patients with COVID-19 and will also contribute to expanding the health system’s capacity to respond to disasters and pandemics in the future.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read more about WHO cooperation with Germany to fight COVID-19 in Belize