Challenges in Medical Imaging in Tshopo Province (DRC): Addressing the Need for Equipment and Staff Training in Low-resource Settings

Abstract

Introduction: Medical imaging is an important specialty, essential in the practice of modern medicine. By 2022, most sub Saharan countries have modern medical imaging equipment and qualified medical personnel in the field. However, this is not the case in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo particularly in the Tshopo Province. The objective of this study is to make an inventory of imaging services in the main health facilities in the Tshopo province. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between June and August 2024 in the form of a survey of chiefs of health zones and radiology practitioners in the main health institutions of the Tshopo Province. Results: The results are as follows: 1 radiologist, 3 senior technicians with degrees in radiology, 0 reference personnel in radiation protection and maintenance of radiological installations. In 23 health zones and their main health facilities, 5 X-ray machines,13 ultrasound machines, 1 CT scan were recorded. Mammography machines, and magnetic resonance imaging machines were not included in the imaging equipment. Conclusion: In the Tshopo Province, the field of medical imaging faces many challenges from every point of view. The supply of diversified imaging equipment and the training of dedicated medical and paramedical staff are imperative to guarantee quality care to the population of the Province of Tshopo.