Medical imaging equipment characteristics at the health center level: Overview

Abstract

Those of us who live in developed countries often do not appreciate the severe limitations in health care experienced by persons in most parts of the world. Under these conditions, the care that is available usually is provided in facilities that are under-equipped, under-staffed, and inundated by requests for services. In many cases, these conditions can be alleviated to some extent by the deployment of technologies such as basic x-ray and ultrasound imaging, provided that such technologies are appropriate, accessible and affordable (the “Four A’s”). Government agencies, policy makers and healthcare organizations should work together towards such deployment.