Highlights from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Radiology Department 2005 Annual Report

A copy of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Radiology Department Annual Report is available.

DR. C.F. KALAMBO
HEAD, RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
JANUARY, 2006

INTRODUCTION
The mission of the Radiology Department is to carry out the functions of health care, teaching, research and consultancy with Christian principles in a dignified, sustainable and affordable manner and to facilitate an efficient medical imaging development in collaboration with all stakeholders.

The department of radiology continued to perform and report all radiological and medical imaging examinations including conventional X-rays, mammography, contrast studies, CT scans and ultrasounds as requested for all inpatients and outpatients at KCMC and others from peripheral hospitals.

We had a good working relationship within the department and with the clinicians as we worked continuously throughout the year. Our usual cooperation and communication with the clinicians, patients and clients continued as ever.

Research activities in the department included those from our postgraduate residents and those in collaboration with other principal investigators from other departments and institutions.

Teaching for short-course students, undergraduate students and postgraduate residents did not lag behind as we continued to deliver with efficiency and reliability as usual.

INFRASTRUCTURE
With the expansion of the provided services and academic activities, the existing structure is not sufficient especially in terms of offices for Radiological personnel and viewing rooms.

SUPPLIES
There were enough consumables for daily use. We acquired our supplies from Medical Store Department (MSD) and others from the ORET programs. The items, which were bought by the hospital funds, included films, processing chemicals, contrast media (both ionic and non-ionic), ultrasound gel, thermal printing papers. etc.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
Radiography students from MUCHS did their fieldwork in our department as a part of their training.

One of our radiographers is currently in Bergen Norway for a year through the KCMC/Haraldsplass Hospital volunteer program. A radiographer from Norway is also rotating in the department as part of that exchange.

We had visitors from Hungary, Oxford and Newcastle in England, and Florida, USA who contributed a lot in exchanging experiences in practice and teaching, especially in contrast studies, pre-natal sonography and interventional radiology.

CONSTRAINTS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE YEAR
1. Shortage of staff and capacity building plans.
2. Erratic supply of suitable consumables from MSD and ORET.
3. Inadequate existing infrastructure due to the lack of an office for radiological personnel, a bigger viewing room, a departmental computer and Internet facilities.
4. Old equipment with frequent breakdowns.
5. Frequent power failure.
6. Lack of departmental budget for replacing equipment and buying consumables.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Employ and recruit more staff and have capacity building plans for existing staff.
2. Have reliable availability of consumables.
3. Improve existing facilities in terms of replacing old and worn-out equipment plus the infrastructure.
4. Have the stand-by generator supply power to all examination rooms.
5. Improve and progress in providing new services such as Screening Mammography and Interventional Radiology singly or in collaboration with other stakeholders local or international.
6. Further the department budget and keep aside certain amount of money for replacing equipment and buying consumables.