Radiological services in rural mission hospitals in Ghana

The provision of basic radiological services in rural, first-referral hospitals is an essential component of any country's attempt to achieve health for all. We report the results of a review of examination frequency trends, operator training background, and machine operational and safety status in the X-ray facilities in rural mission hospitals in Ghana in 1991-92. The radiological workload at the reporting hospitals was low and declined by more than 50% over the study period. Although most of the X-ray operators had little or no formal training, they produced adequate imaging results. Most of the X-ray machines seen were over 20 years old, yet remained functional, but less than 25% had standard radiation safety (beam limitation) devices. These results suggest that many rural, first-referral hospitals in developing countries could benefit from a careful review of their services and adoption of the WHO Basic Radiological System (WHO-BRS).