Philips contributes to diagnostic imaging in healthcare
The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that diagnostic imaging is crucial in health care. However, many countries in the developing world cannot afford to purchase expensive high technology imaging equipment despite the urgent need to use imaging resources in these countries.
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Women in semi-urban and rural areas across Ghana and Africa in general often die due to preventable complications during childbirth, as they have no access to ultrasound screenings to detect critical conditions. Many of these deaths can be diagnosed with basic imaging technology.
To bring high quality and affordable health care to a wide range of clinicians, Philips Healthcare unveiled its new mobile ultrasound system, the VISIQ, in Ghana during the Accra leg of its annual pan-African Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow.
Designed the same size as a tablet, the VISIQ provides high quality images for expectant mothers wherever care is taking place. It is portable and easy to use and it is available for expectant mothers in remote areas, who would not otherwise have access to the technology.
Traditional ultrasound machine
Approximately 10 times smaller than a traditional ultrasound machine and with reduced energy consumption, VISIQ can also be used in community care programmes in remote rural areas for screening, triage and foetal well-being scans, all of which help to address the critical issue of maternal and infant care.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra as part of the roadshow, the Vice-President & General Manager, Philips Healthcare Africa, Mr Peter van de Ven, said the introduction of the equipment showed that meaningful innovations could contribute to saving people’s lives.
He said improving access to health care was high on Philips’ agenda in Africa and the organisation was very eager to contribute to the goals of the Ghanaian government to improve access to quality care in the area of mother and child care, non-communicable diseases and clinical education and training of local healthcare workforce.
“We have been in Africa for many years and have a strong installed base of our equipment, but we strongly acknowledge the benefits of dialogue during this roadshow and the need for our company to listen to the local market and understand how we can adapt our products to better serve this continent,” Mr JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President and CEO Philips Africa, said.
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Roadshow
Currently in its fifth consecutive year, the roadshow enables Philips to engage in dialogue with customers, governments, NGOs and the media to ascertain a better understanding of each country’s unique requirements and develop relevant technology to support their needs on maternal and infant care.
Accra is the sixth stop on Philips’ annual flagship Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow (from April 14 to September 3, 2014), which focuses on two key challenges facing Africa today — the need for energy-efficient lighting and the revitalisation of African healthcare infrastructure.
The roadshow, which brings together key stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, professional associations and research institutions to exchange best practices, collaborate and develop public-private partnerships aimed at addressing key challenges in Africa, will make its way across seven countries and 10 cities in Africa. The next stop will be in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 27.