UGMC enhances diagnostic services with $100,000 state-of-the-art equipment

By Francis Ntow

Accra, Nov 27, GNA – The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has enhanced its diagnostic capabilities with the installation of a cutting-edge immunochemistry analyser, valued at over US$100,000.

The addition was facilitated under a placement package arrangement, by Flokefama, a leading health solutions provider and a member of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Club 100.

In the healthcare equipment business, a placement package is aimed at facilitating the acquisition and deployment of the costly medical equipment while offering value-added incentives.

The primary goal is to lower the barriers to acquiring advanced medical equipment by reducing upfront costs and offering integrated solutions.

The newly acquired M680 immunoassay analyser, the first of its kind in West Africa and the third in Africa, is to ensure that UGMC remains equipped with advanced medical technology, and process tests for other hospitals.

The analyser would allow UGMC to perform a wide range of in-house diagnostic tests, including chemistry, immunology, and electrolyte analyses for people with thyroid disorders, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems, and bone disorders.

It is expected that the equipment would significantly enhance laboratory services with faster and more accurate testing capabilities, as the new equipment’s capacity is three times the previous ones used by UGMC.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Pascal Hodogbe, Head of Laboratory Services at UGMC, said the analyser would be transformative in Ghana’s laboratory services.

“This equipment consolidates general chemistry, immunochemistry, and electrolyte testing into one platform, streamlining processes that previously required multiple machines and more time,” he said.

Mr Hodogbe said the analyser’s capacity is three times greater than the combined output of UGMC’s previous equipment, reducing the turnaround time, enhancing patient outcomes, and minimising disruptions caused by reagent shortages or equipment downtime.

“We often encounter situations where patients are forced to visit multiple facilities for tests prescribed by doctors. With this analyser, UGMC can conduct 80 per cent of required diagnostics on-site, saving patients time and reducing stress,” he said.

Mr Hodogbe encouraged hospitals and the public to utilise UGMC’s laboratory services, emphasising the institution’s commitment to exceptional service delivery.

He also assured the public of its dedication to maintaining the equipment and always providing top-tier healthcare services with engineers available to address technical needs, ensuring the machine operates at optimal capacity.

Mr Teye Kwabena Kenney, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Flokefama said the partnership between the two institutions was to address delays in diagnostic services and promote quality healthcare to all users of the UGMC facility.

The introduction of the M680 immunoassay analyser, he said marked a milestone in UGMC’s journey to deliver world-class healthcare services to its patients and the broader community.

“This machine is a game changer; with the capacity to perform up to 600 chemistry tests and 240 immunoassays per hour, UGMC is positioned as a leader in Ghana’s healthcare sector,” he said.

Mr Kenney highlighted the analyser’s ability to handle emergency diagnostics efficiently. “In critical situations, samples can be processed with rapid turnaround times, enabling faster interventions and improving patient outcomes,” he noted.

The CEO also expressed hope that other major hospitals in Ghana would adopt similar advanced diagnostic technologies, inspired by UGMC’s trailblasing example.

GNA