By Obakeng Maje
The Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex has established Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Unit. MRI is a type of scan that is often used to diagnose health conditions that affect organs, tissue and bone. Unlike X-rays, MRI does not involve exposing the body to radiation.
The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex has been designated as a Provincial tertiary hospital in the North West Province. Through Modernization of Tertiary Services grant, the National Department Health allocated funding to the tune of R20 million which was then used to establish MRI Unit. Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike will officially open the new unit on Friday, 14 June.
“MRI is a new phenomenon which will now be accessible for the first time to the people of the province. The availability of the MRI scan in the province will end years of travelling for patients in need of MRI service who used to receive assistance from Gauteng Province or Private Health facilities” MEC Magome Masike said.
This was not only costly but created a burden on healthcare as some patients skipped appointments resulting in department having to deal with advance condition that could have been detected earlier said Masike.
MEC Masike said MRI is used to diagnosing strokes in their earliest stages; diagnosing MS, diagnosing brain and pituitary tumors; diagnosing brain, spine, or joint infections; visualizing torn ligaments in the wrist, knee, and ankle. It is also used for visualizing shoulder injuries; evaluating soft tissue masses; and evaluating bone tumors, cysts, and herniated discs in the spine.
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