ZIMBABWE is transitioning its X-ray systems from analogue to digital, aligning with global standards and upgrading health service delivery across the country.
So far, 31 digital X-ray machines have been installed in health facilities nationwide.
At Hauna District Hospital in Manicaland province, X-ray operator Bernard Kwaramba said the shift from manual film based processing to digital imaging revolutionised service delivery.
“We have moved from serving an average of 10 patients per day to more than 20, with a quick turnaround of results. The time spent per patient has been slashed,” he said.
“We no longer deal with the delays of chemical development or physical film. I can serve more people with much less strain on equipment and staff.”
Acting Manicaland provincial medical director, Cephas Fonte, indicated that analogue machines frequently broke down, disrupting services.
“The digital X-rays are technologically advanced and connected. When the X-ray is taken, it is sent to the clinician who reviews it in a very short space of time,” he said.
“Going to the National TB Control Programme, they are now talking about integration with artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis. It really cuts costs in terms of film development.”
Fonte added that with the GeneXpect machine, when an X-ray shows a lesion, referral to the lab is seamless.
“GeneXpect enables us to detect drug resistant TB or drug-sensitive TB quickly. X-rays have significantly improved the speed and ease of diagnosis while increasing sensitivity.”
The high-tech equipment was procured under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM), with support from the Global Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
UNDP resident representative, Ayodele Odusola, applauded the partnership.
“This is a partnership that is deepening health system strengthening in Zimbabwe, promoting a more resilient and equitable health system,” he said.
“It translates global financing to concrete impact at the community level.”
The machines were procured by the Health and Child Care ministry under C19RM, with administrative and infrastructure support from UNDP.
Since 2020, Zimbabwe has received over US$180 million through The Global Fund’s C19RM, with approximately US$51 million managed by UNDP for infrastructure.