VOINJAMA, Lofa – After receiving US$2,000 from a diaspora organization to repair its X-ray machine, the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital has completed the repairs and begun examinations of patients using the equipment.
The X-ray machine at the county’s referral hospital had been down for more than two years, resulting in patients being transferred to nearby Guinea for the procedure. In June, the Voinjama District Global Association donated US$2,000 to the hospital to get the equipment in a functional state again.
Tellewoyan’s chief administrator, Albert Colee, said the hospital now hopes to use the machine to conduct tests on patients and avoid sending them elsewhere.
“We bought the correct spare parts out of the US$2,000 to restore the machine, and now, we are happy that the X-ray machine is functional and up-to-date to respond to [the] applicable needs of patients and also help in saving patients lives,” Colee said.
X-ray technician James K. Mulbah told The Bush Chicken that the hospital had started testing on July 17, with ten tests conducted on the first day. He said the results of the scans have come out quickly, with about 15 minutes for each test result.
“Still we face challenges with some of the complicated cases – most beside patients that are unable to sit and even walk by themselves; however, we are thankful for this great process,” Mulbah said.
Tellewoyan’s medical director, Dr. Jean Kaly, promised that patients who needed X-rays would continue to receive the necessary tests.
“We appreciate all officials of the Voinjama District Global Association for the kind gesture that has brought happiness to citizens in the county, and this is to show that the cash given us was used for the intended purpose,” said Kaly.
Featured photo by Kelvin Kollie
