KIGALI - Breast cancer patients have renewed hopes after King Faisal Hospital in Kigali secured a high-tech machine to help doctors detect the disease. The mammography machine, which uses X-ray images of the affected breast, helps physicians to detect and evaluate breast cancer at an early stage. It is part of the newly procured medical apparatus from a $12 million (approx Frw6.7bn) grant, which Saudi Arabia offered to King Faisal Hospital (KFH).

The grant extended which had been promised last year is meant for expansion and stocking of the hospital with modern equipment to upgrade into a referral hospital.

Dr Etienne Uwimana, the head of Radiology Department, said: "Breast cancer among African women has been there but lack of medical equipment for physicians to detect it remains a major stumbling block.”

He said the new gadget will complement the already existing cancer detecting technology using an echography device which relies on ultra-sound waves.

Already, KFH has secured five sets of neonatal intensive care gadgets for infants less than a month old.

The gadgets are Vital Sign Monitor, Resuscitate Infant Warmer and Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

However, Dr Joseph Mucumbitsi, the head of Paediatratic Department at the hospital expressed concern over lack of safe transportation means for premature infants from upcountry areas.

"It is serious problem which requires more government’s attention to stop infants’ death caused by that,” Mucumbitsi said adding that KGH is the only one provider of such a service in the whole country. He also pointed out ignorance among mothers about maternal health checks for premature deliverance. 

Other new machines obtained by the hospital include two high detecting Microscopes, an Electrophoresis Analyzer and Safety Storage Cabinets for laboratory practices.

"They will enable us to store hazardous chemicals and to conduct laboratory tests that have been done abroad,” Emma Ngoga, the head of Laboratory department, said. 

The government has of late upgraded the hospital, with a view of equipping it with the necessary medical specialists and technology to help cut down on the number of patients who travel abroad for treatment.

Ends