Imaging centre provides latest healthcare techniques

HERITAGE Square opposite the old State House is the home of Windhoek’s newest medical imaging centre, Proqual Diagnostic Imaging.
According to head radiographer, Sarah Markus, the practice was opened in January with a specific purpose: to offer competition in the market, to provide clients with choices and excellent service, and to improve access to specialised medical and diagnostic services.

In addition to normal X-ray services, Proqual provides a variety of specialist radiography services including mammograms (for the detection of breast cancer), ultrasounds and bone density scans.The medical imaging industry is a small one, with practitioners generally based inside hospitals to shorten the trip between the doctor’s office and radiology services.The strength of existing medical imaging centres made entering the market difficult, Markus said. Most doctors tend to refer their patients to one of the bigger medical imaging centres inside hospitals ‘and a lot of people don’t know about us yet,’ she added. The company plans to step up their advertising, and hopes that Proqual’s excellent service will help them gain a larger stake of the market.The practice is run by Head Diagnostic Radiologist, Edward Fynn, the practice’s only male employee. Also employed at the practice are five radiographers, a sonographer who manages the ultrasound department, two typists, a receptionist, an accountant and a cleaner, bring the total number of people employed to twelve.’We provide mainly a walk-in service,’ said Fynn, ‘but even if we are really busy, we will work hard to fit you in within 48 hours.’ Dedication to reducing patients’ waiting time, and the state-of-the-art equipment that they use, make Proqual a strong competitor in the medical imaging sector, said Fynn.’None of this would have been possible without the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN),’ added Markus. With the N$4.2 million loan provided by the DBN as part of their Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Finance Facility, Sarah Markus and the other founders of Proqual were able to purchase a state-of-the-art CT scanner and mammography machine. The scanner in particular is beneficial to clients, as it allows patients to be scanned feet-first instead of head-first.’Our claustrophobic patients really appreciate that,’ said Markus.As part of their efforts to meet their social responsibilities, Proqual, in collaboration with the Cancer Association of Namibia, made a commitment to help five patients without medical aid, free of charge, every month. In addition to this, Proqual provides ultrasound services to St Mary’s Hospital in Rehoboth for a minimal charge.Future plans include training young Namibians in the field of medical imaging.’We’re hoping to collaborate with the Polytechnic of Namibia and the University of Namibia to offer practical training to their students,’ explained Edwards.The training of currently employed staff is another priority.’We want to keep up with the latest technology,’ said Markus. At present, two of Proqual’s radiographers are training to specialise in mammography and their current sonographer has plans to train in radiography.With the help of more of Windhoek’s doctors, in the form of more referrals, and increased public awareness of the practice, Proqual Diagnostic Imaging looks set to become one of Namibia’s premiere medical imaging centres.ndapwa@namibian.com.na