THE radiography service at the Gizo Hospital in the Western Provincial Capital is currently out of service due to technical issues with its only x-ray machine.
This was confirmed to Solomon Star by the Western Provincial Health Director Dr Dickson Boara on Friday.
“Yes, the x-ray machine is not working at the moment,” he said briefly when asked by the Solomon Star.
Its understood work on procuring the much-needed spare parts to fix the machine is underway.
The Solomon Star understands this situation has forced the X-ray Department of Gizo Hospital to organize weekly trips for its patients to travel by outboard motor (OBM) Helena Goldie Hospital where the nearest radiography service is available.
Each week, the X-ray Department collects names of those needing radiography service and organizes a trip for them to Munda access this service at the United Church-owned Helena Goldie Hospital.
An Initial report from the Gizo Hospital said the only X-ray Machine at the hospital experienced technical faults several weeks ago and this has affected many patients who need to undergo radiography, causing delays in patients taking radiography checks and getting their results on time.
Some affected patients said it is important that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services must urgently assist Gizo Hospital to resolve this issue.
Meanwhile, this morning, Thursday 7th November, a planned trip to bring some of the patients needing x-ray was called off due to lack of fuel.
Photo caption: Gizo Hospital. Photo courtesy of Nimox Photography/Filming
By MOFFAT MAMU
Solomon Star, Gizo
