By KAMPALA; The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has installed a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, a noninvasive medical imaging device primarily used to diagnose conditions related to the brain, spine, joints and muscles. The MRI detects differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue.
Dr. Godfrey Osinde, who leads the Nuclear Medicine department at UCI, said the equipment will be ready for use after full installation. He spoke Tuesday as members of the UCI board, led by chairperson Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, toured the new 500 billion shilling multipurpose building at Mulago, where the machine is located.
The board commended the Ugandan government for the project, which it is funding to improve radiotherapy services. Osinde told board members that so far, the government has injected 150 billion shillings into the project.
Cancer remains a significant health challenge in Uganda, with approximately 34,000 new cases and 22,000 deaths annually. Cervical cancer is the most common, followed by breast and prostate cancers.
