ACR finds glaring gaps in Haiti's radiology infrastructure
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| ACR volunteers review drying x-rays outside of Grace Children's Hospital. Image source: American College of Radiology (ACR) |
The relief fund raised more than $12,500 in donations from ACR members to aid imaging facilities devastated by the quake, according to the article. Paul H. Ellenbogen, MD, vice chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors, indicated that ACR hopes to build a long-term, even permanent, relationship with Haiti.
Despite the effort already put forth by the relief fund, more work is needed to improve the areas of infrastructure, equipment, training and maintenance to fully restore imaging services in the country. According to the CIA World Factbook statistics, Haiti has a population of approximately 10 million people.
According to the article:
- Only 19 known radiologists are working in Haiti (one per 500,000 people).
- There are just three CT scanners in the entire country, and two are privately owned.
- There are 50 to 60 x-ray technicians and their training was primarily on the job.
- Haiti has not had a radiology resident for the past three years.
To learn more about the relief efforts or make a donation, click here.
Evan Godt, Writer
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.