Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Camagüey, November 5.- Amid the resource limitations facing the healthcare sector, the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Camagüey maintains its Imaging services.
Dr. Evelyn Álvarez Acosta, a first-grade specialist in Imaging and head of the aforementioned area, stated that this healthcare unit has the necessary equipment to perform different imaging studies, specifically simple or contrasted radiographs.
Álvarez Acosta explained that they have a digital unit for contrasted special studies, in addition to facilitating very specific tests required by the specialties of Gastroenterology, Neurology, and Otolaryngology.
Similarly, she mentioned that they have X-ray units with digital couplings, which allow for the care of patients attending outpatient and emergency consultations.
For hospitalized patients in closed units, such as the various types of intensive care units, portable X-ray machines are also operational, as well as in operating rooms for performing verification studies, she indicated.
Regarding ultrasound imaging investigations for performing ultrasonographic studies, especially abdominopelvic and soft tissue ones, they have at least two low to medium resolution machines. Meanwhile, care is also provided to maternity patients and people in serious condition, she pointed out.
Furthermore, she added that a high-end ultrasound machine is used to perform Doppler studies, necessary for the treatment of pathologies in which vascular abnormalities are suspected, in both adult and pediatric patients.
Another highly useful technology, she said, is the tomograph, which has resumed operations. She particularly highlighted its use in caring for patients in the multidisciplinary lung shadows clinic, which has a regional scope, benefiting inhabitants of provinces such as Ciego de Ávila, Las Tunas, and Holguín.
Among the major difficulties facing the service, she highlighted the low-field resonator, which has technical damage due to the impossibility of acquiring spare parts. However, she assured that they are managing to have this procedure performed in Sancti Spíritus and Cienfuegos.
Worldwide, she noted, the cost of simple conventional radiographic studies ranges between 50 and 125 USD, while contrasted studies and computed tomographies can cost up to 1,200 USD. However, despite the objective shortages affecting Cuban public health, in the province these services are provided free of charge and accessibly for all. (Text and photos: Yadira Núñez Figueredo/ ACN)
