County gets Sh15-million AI-powered X-ray machine

Ann Salaton-KNA

Narok County Government has received a major boost after the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) donated an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled digital X-ray machine to boost health services.

The Sh15 million digital equipment was donated through the Henry Jackson Foundation for Medical Research International (HJFMRI), South Rift programme, and is expected to diagnose chest related illness.

Narok County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Health Antony Namunkuk said the portable diagnostic unit will significantly boost early detection and treatment of chest related illness enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses.

He thanked the partners for the donation saying it will go a long way in boosting health care by bringing quick and accurate services close to the people.

“The gadget will go a long way in boosting the health standards of people living in remote areas as the health workers are expected to hold frequent health camps in remote villages,” he continued.

Narok County Director of Health Dr Francis Kiio said the machine is only 27 kilograms hence easily portable as it can be transported in a bag.

“The AI is for diagnosing the chest problem. When you get the X-ray results, you do not have to go to a specialist to find out the nature of sickness, as the machine will give the actual illness that it detects.

“The gadget will improve accuracy in terms of quality of care, timeliness as a person will not be asked to come another date for the results, and will serve a larger population as it will be transported to households and manyattas.

Chest sickness encompasses conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and digestive system, presenting symptoms like pain, shortness of breath and coughing.

Common causes include heart attacks, pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary embolism, asthma and acid reflux.

Those present during the donation at Ololulunga Sub County Hospital were County Chief Officer for Clinical services Jane Kiok, HJFMRI project director Walter Reed, Project Deputy Director Dr Isaac Tsikhutsu among other county health officials.