Your safety is guaranteed, ministry tells radiographers

The Ministry of Health has assured specialists, who will be handling the ultra-modern tomography (CT) scans, of their safety.
Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki Saturday assured the specialists of the safety of the new machines.

DIAGNOSTICS
“The safety and level of accuracy of these equipment in terms of diagnostics and subsequent treatment is better than what we have before,” CS Kariuki said.
This came after two radiographers, who returned to the country last week after a month-long training in China on how to use the CT scan machines, told the Sunday Nation that the government was quiet about the safety of those who will operate the machines.

OPERATIONS
The government is currently installing 37 CAT scans in public health facilities in 16 counties. This is expected to ease the diagnosis of different ailments.
The course covered several areas including basic operations, patient positioning, image acquisition, post-processing, and image archiving and filming.

RADIATION
“This is a huge investment for Kenyans but I am afraid, my health will not be taken care of," says a specialist who sought anonymity for fear of intimidation.
He said he had worked as a radiographer before in a private clinic and was diagnosed with skin burns which were traced to radiation from the machines.
"I am not opposing this idea but I will suffer alone should anything happen so I have to raise it before we start operating the machines," he said.

CANCEROUS
Ionising radiation has sufficient energy to affect the atoms in living cells and damage their genetic material (DNA).
Fortunately, body cells are efficient in repairing this damage. But if the damage is not repaired correctly, a cell may die or eventually become cancerous.
Health Principal Secretary Peter Tum assured that the new machines have sophisticated gadgets that can measure the level of radiation in the patient, and that of the medical practitioner.

INTENSITY
A thermoluminescent dosimeter, or TLD, is a type of radiation dosimeter. It measures ionising radiation exposure by measuring the intensity of visible light emitted by a crystal inside the detector when it is heated. The intensity of light emitted is dependent upon the radiation exposure.
“Uncontrolled doses of radiation pose a great risk to patients and those operating the machines. This is why we had to ensure that the machines come with an automated solution to monitor every employee," Mr Tum said.

ENDANGERING
He confirmed that the gadget also ensures no leakage of radiation from the radiology rooms thus not endangering those working in adjacent rooms or those passing near the facility.
Advances in X-ray technology and medical imaging systems have increased exposure to radiation through CAT scans and the growing complexity of the procedures.
Often excessive radiation causes cancer and leukaemia.

IMAGING
Excessive radiation is passed on to patients due to unnecessary and repeated X-rays as a result of poor and refurbished imaging equipment.
However, according to Kenyan Law Chapter 243, Radiation Protection Act, states that the standards of radiation protection should be observed for the safety of the patients and persons operating the machine.
Mr Tum, however, raised concern that inasmuch as the government was protecting the persons operating the CAT scans in government hospitals, there were people with unlicensed radioactive materials.
EXPOSURE

The PS advised Kenyans to seek X-ray, CT scan services in public hospitals.

“I am happy that the month-long exchange programme and exposure on the new imaging technologies will act as a positive driver to ensuring better health and reduction in exposure," Mr Tum told the Sunday Nation.
Speaking at King Fahad County Hospital in Lamu County during the launch of dialysis machines for the renal unit, CT Scan centre and a theatre at the weekend, Ms Kariuki said the equipment would reduce the number of referrals made outside the county.

DELIVERY
The Health CS said the national government would continue working the 47 counties to improve health services delivery to citizens.
“For the first time, Lamu Referral Hospital will be offering dialysis services. Patients who were spending a fortune to travel to Malindi, Kilifi and Mombasa will now save the cash as the services can now be obtained within the county,” said CS Kariuki.
The CS stressed on the need for Lamu County government and other counties to implement community health strategy to fight and eradicate diseases.

ANNUALLY
She said her ministry would send refrigerated equipment for storage of vaccines in Lamu to enable the county boost its immunisation profile.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 3,600 million diagnostic radiology examinations are performed globally annually.
The use of radiation in medicine enables earlier diagnosis and often offers less invasive treatments of human diseases.

MINIMISED
Advanced radiation technology has opened new horizons in diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.
“While the development of modern health technology makes new applications safer, inappropriate use may result in unnecessary and preventable radiation risks," says WHO.
The global health agency suggests a balanced approach that recognises the multiple health benefits that can be obtained while assuring that risks are minimised.

PLATFORM
World Health Organisation is conducting a Global Initiative on Radiation Safety in Healthcare Settings to mobilise the health sector towards the safe and effective use of radiation in medicine.
“By integrating radiation protection into the concepts of good medical practice and healthcare service quality, this initiative provides a platform for collaboration to improve the implementation of radiation safety standards in healthcare settings,” it states.
Mr Tum said the data on the effects of radiation on health workers might not be easily available in public hospitals.

FUNCTIONAL
The now fully functional CT centres are at the Thika Level Five Hospital, Iten County Referral Hospital in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Narok County Referral Hospital and Voi Level Five Hospital in Taita- Taveta County.

Last month, health experts from 10 African countries visited Thika Level Four Hospital’s CT Scan Centre on a benchmarking tour. This was followed by a 69 member Ugandan delegation at Kericho Hospital as part of Universal Health Coverage success.