Pregnant women in rural areas often face significant challenges accessing healthcare, including traveling long distances for critical checkups.
To address this issue, NILEX Corp Company Limited, a medical equipment producer and supplier, has donated 10 mobile ultrasound machines worth $150,000 to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
Ultrasound machines, traditionally large and stationary, require patients to visit equipped hospitals, which can be time-consuming and stressful for those in remote areas.
However, the donated machines are compact, rechargeable, and specifically designed to serve communities with limited access to healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the donation ceremony, Mr. Alex Osei Owusu, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director of NILEX Corp Company Limited, explained the motivation behind the initiative.
“This forms part of our corporate social responsibility. We want to reduce the stress of pregnant women traveling from rural areas to cities for checkups,” he said.
He highlighted the advanced features of the mobile ultrasound machines, stating, “These machines work similarly to MRI systems in hospitals. They are rechargeable, lasting up to 15 hours, and have a high resolution with AI support.”
The donation is part of NILEX’s broader commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in Ghana. The company has previously supported the GHS with Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) to protect sensitive hospital equipment from power fluctuations and provided antigen test kits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, NILEX collaborates with international partners, such as MiCo-BioMed from Korea, to deliver innovative healthcare solutions.
Receiving the equipment, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, expressed his gratitude to NILEX Corp for their generous support.
“This donation will be very useful because, instead of moving patients to the machine, we can now move the machine to the patient. This will ensure that everyone, including those at CHPS compounds, health centers, clinics, and other facilities, can access it,” he said.
Dr. Kuma-Aboagye also revealed that steps have already been taken to train healthcare personnel to use the machines effectively.
“Fortunately, we have trained thousands of midwives and some Physician Assistants to operate these machines. We will ensure that those who haven’t received training are brought up to speed,” he added.
The machines come with a five-year warranty, covering repairs if they become faulty. The GHS plans to distribute the equipment to areas where they are most needed, ensuring equitable access for pregnant women across the country.
This initiative by NILEX Corp aligns with ongoing efforts to improve maternal health services and reduce the barriers faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare.
Nana Yaw Owusu/Ashanti Region.
