Novel Ultrasound System Designed to Address Healthcare Needs in Developing Countries

A new portable ultrasound system, specially designed to help midwives, general practitioners, paramedics, clinical officers, and other primary healthcare workers in developing countries make pregnancy assessments, has been showcased at the 68th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva (Switzerland).

Many countries still face high pregnancy-related mortality. Improving maternal and the health of newborn babies is one of the most urgent healthcare priorities worldwide, and one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in the Millenium Development Goals (MDG).

The Vscan Access system was showcase by GE Healthcare (Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, UK), and is the latest in a series of ultrasound products intended to meet the needs of developing countries. GE Healthcare programs exist Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, and in Asia.

The Vscan Access system is lightweight, portable, and has a robust and dust-resistant design. The system has flexible charging options, and Bluetooth and wireless connectivity to facilitate telehealth consulting with remote experts, and data transfer to patients’ referral facilities.

Anders Wold, president and CEO of GE Healthcare’s Ultrasound business, said, “Based on five years of collaborative field research with stakeholders in more than 20 countries, GE Healthcare understands the challenges Ministries of Health face in developing nations, including: physician shortages in high-mortality and low-resource areas, pregnant women not seeking antenatal care (ANC), and lack of access to appropriate diagnostic devices in the primary care setting. Studies have shown ultrasound can help enable task-shifting to midwives for basic obstetric scanning, mobilize mothers to seek more ANC visits and improve pregnancy management through early detection and referral of pregnancy complications.”

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