Hospital Gets Ultra Sound, X-Ray and Bone Density Machines

On 12 March, 2009, Hon. Pablo Marin, Ministry of Health, along with Ministry of Health CEO, Dr. Peter Allen, Nurse Oneida Smith, Regional Health Manager, Nurse Guillermina Heredia, Deputy Regional Health Manager, His Worship Mayor Hilberto Campos and many invited guests were on hand to cut the ribbon for the dedication of of the new diagnostic imaging center at the Corozal Hospital.

The Embassy of Taiwan donated the ultrasound machine, and is part of the effort of the Ministry of Health to provide quality care for all Belizeans. Dr. Alexei Navarro is the technician performing ultrasounds, and he is in Corozal on Tuesday and Thursday. He sees around 20 patients every week. Cost for the ultrasound can be on a sliding basis, people are not denied for lack of financial resources.

The x-ray machine was bought from funds of the Ministry of Health and there is a technician available to do x-rays daily. A total investment of $100,000 has been made for this up-to-date imaging center.

The Ministry of Health’s investment is being complemented by the installment of a Dexa Scan machine. Dexa scans are the most commonly used test to measure bone density. Dexa stands for ‘Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry’. It is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density and is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. The Dexa Scan machine was donated to the hospital by Dr. Judy Jennrich of Loyola University, Chicago. Unfortunately the machine is not yet operational due to lack of the manual with the codes, which Dr. Jennrich is attempting to remedy, we are told.

The Ministry of Health has put in place proper measures in the structure of the hospital to house the new imaging center in line with international standards and the people of Corozal are encouraged to utilize the additional services it now has to offer.