Accra, June 3, GNA – The Ghana Association of Radiologists (GARs) and its partners have called on government to invest in imaging technologies to enhance the capabilities of health professionals in the management of traumatic injuries.
The Society stated that the technologies were vital for the early and accurate diagnosis of trauma-related injuries, which would significantly impact patient management and recovery.
This was in a statement jointly signed by Dr Samuel Asiamah, GAR President, and Dr Cathy Gyamfua Asante, GAR Secretary General, at the end of a three-day conference in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency.
It was organized by GARs in collaboration with the European Society of Neuroradiology, the West African Association of Radiologists and the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria, the Ghana Academy of Neurological Surgeons and the Ghana Society of Neurologists.
The GARs Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM), which ran from 29 to 31 May 2024, was themed “Using Advances in Neuroradiology to Improve Patient Care”.
The statement said a pressing concern that emerged from the discussions was the increasing number of cases of traumatic brain and spinal injuries reported in health facilities, of which traffic accidents were the most common cause.
“Key to the causes of brain and spinal cord injuries are motorcycle accidents.
“These injuries lead to debilitating neurological deficits, paralysis and ultimately death,” the statement said.
The statement emphasized that limited availability and access to advanced imaging modalities such as CT scans and MRIs and specialized care are needed to manage these cases.
The statement explained that these imaging methods were expensive and not available in many health facilities and, where available, were not covered by the National Health Insurance System, limiting access to these services.
In addition to medical interventions, the statement recognized the role of motorists and pedestrians in preventing traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
He urged people to follow road safety rules and regulations, especially for motorcycle riders and passengers, and wear helmets to counter these injuries.
“GAR wishes to start forensic radiology in the country with the support of the Ghana Police Service and the Police Hospital.
“Forensic radiology is a specialized field of medical imaging that uses radiological techniques to assist physicians and pathologists in matters related to the law,” it said.
Chief Superintendent Dr Francis Ofei, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for GAR’s 12th AGSM, said the theme highlighted the critical role played by neuroradiology in enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Ofei, former GAR Vice President, emphasized that neuroradiology served as a cornerstone in the multidisciplinary approach to neurosurgical interventions and neurological care.
GNA