Medical imaging has continued to develop and evolve with speed globally and is one of the rapidly advancing areas of healthcare with new technology and radiological investigative modalities added regularly into the arsenal of tests.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu during his opening speech at the Fiji Society of Medical Imaging Technologists Annual Conference.
Lalabalavu says these testing modalities are used in our health services to investigate and accurately detect diseases, which is often followed by immediate interventions to treat and cure patients.
He says Fiji has also seen its share of radiological imaging development in the last two decades.
Lalabalavu says with the introduction of high-quality ultrasound technology, computerized axial tomography or CT Scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI capabilities both in the public and the private sector, the availability and accessibility of these highly advanced testing technologies for our people have dramatically increased.
The Minister says these advances in healthcare are very positive for the people of Fiji and will contribute greatly to the overall achievement of the health targets under the Sustainable Development Goals.
He says with these new technological developments, there is also an important need to ensure that our medical imaging workforce is well-trained and equipped to handle these new technologies and deliver the services that our people expect to receive at our health facilities.
Lalabalavu also acknowledged the achievement of recognition and accreditation of the Bachelor of Medical Imaging Science programme at FNU by the esteemed New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (NZMRTB). He says this is a commendable achievement and a testament to the hard work of FNU and the members of your Society at the College and at the Ministry who work hand-in-hand to deliver this program to your trainees.
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