In this insightful interview with
B&FT
and Nvame,
Prof. Francis Hasford
, the
Head of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) at GAEC
, offers much-needed education on the role of nuclear technology in advancing healthcare in Ghana.
B&FT, Nvame: How has nuclear technology historically and currently contributed to the advancement of healthcare across all stages of the value chain in Ghana?
Prof. Hasford
Nuclear technology has significantly transformed healthcare in Ghana, impacting it both in the past and present. The integration of nuclear science into healthcare started when Ghana founded the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in 1963.
Since then, nuclear applications have been integrated into medical diagnostics, treatment, and research. One of the earliest applications was the introduction of nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging, allowing healthcare professionals to detect and manage diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and thyroid disorders more effectively.
In 1998, the introduction of radiotherapy facilities at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, facilitated by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission for treating cancers with cobalt-60 teletherapy machines, represented a crucial step forward in offering essential care to individuals battling cancer in Ghana.
Currently, nuclear technology remains essential throughout the healthcare continuum in Ghana, spanning disease prevention to treatment and management. Radiation applications in X-rays, mammography, computed tomography (CT), and fluoroscopy have enhanced disease diagnosis over time.
The use of radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostic imaging, particularly with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) has enhanced early disease detection. Additionally, radiotherapy services have expanded, with modern linear accelerators (LINACs) complementing cobalt-60 units to improve the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatment.
The GAEC’s gamma irradiation facility provides radiation sterilization for medical devices, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of health care items, thereby minimizing infection risks in hospitals and clinics.
Apart from diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures, nuclear technology plays a crucial role in enhancing capabilities and fostering research within Ghana’s healthcare industry. In partnership with various universities and global bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has educated professionals including medical physicists, radiographers, and experts specializing in nuclear medicine. This ensures the secure and efficient application of nuclear techniques in patient care. Ongoing studies in areas such as radiation oncology, dosimetry, and the creation of radiopharmaceuticals continue to enhance treatment success rates and promote advancements in Ghana’s health services.
Looking ahead, the future of nuclear technology in Ghana’s healthcare sector holds immense promise. The expansion of nuclear medicine services, including the establishment of a cyclotron facility for local radiopharmaceutical production and installation of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) will enhance access to advanced diagnostics.
Further investments in nuclear research, infrastructure, and human resource development will ensure Ghana remains at the forefront of nuclear applications in healthcare. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and public awareness will also be essential in maximizing the benefits of nuclear technology while ensuring safety and sustainability.
B&FT, NVAME: Can you give us an overview of the institutional framework within the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), responsible for the application of nuclear technology in healthcare?
Prof. Hasford
RAMSRI (Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute), which falls under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), stands out as one of the principal research institutions. This institute focuses on promoting advancements in education, research, and practical uses of nuclear and radiological sciences within the fields of medicine and health care.
RAMSRI focuses on using nuclear science and radiation technology to enhance healthcare services, medical research, and industrial applications. The institute is instrumental in supporting medical physics, radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy in Ghana.
The primary focus areas for both medical research and clinical practices encompass medical imaging along with nuclear medicine, radiotherapy combined with oncological care, measures for radiation protection and safety, principles of dosimetry alongside quality assurance, studies related to public health as well as epidemiology, and nutritional aspects.
Importance of RAMSRI in Ghana’s Health Care Sector
RAMSRI continues to be an essential organization for advancing the secure and efficient application of nuclear technology in Ghana’s medical field. The institute carries out the following activities:
- Aids the battle against cancer via radiology studies.
- Improves disease detection using nuclear imaging methods.
- Guarantees radiological safety and maintains quality assurance in healthcare settings.
- Cultivates regional proficiency in medical physics and nuclear medicine.
B&FT, NVAME: Are there present investment opportunities for private sector participation in this area? Also, which specific segments urgently need such significant investments?
Prof. Hasford
Indeed, substantial investment prospects exist for private sector participation in Ghana’s radiation medicine industry. The growing incidence of cancer and other non-communicable ailments has escalated the need for services such as radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and sophisticated diagnostic imagery.
Nonetheless, access to these services stays restricted, primarily due to the concentration of facilities in Accra and Kumasi. Private entities have the opportunity to set up radiotherapy centers, PET/CT imaging facilities, and nuclear medicine units in areas lacking adequate care, thereby addressing disparities in healthcare provision. Moreover, public-private partnerships (PPP) with governmental organizations could foster sustainable business frameworks aimed at broadening the reach of radiation therapy infrastructure.
A lucrative avenue for investment lies in the domestic production and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals since Ghana predominantly depends on imported products. Setting up a cyclotron facility to generate PET isotopes along with establishing a radiopharmaceutical manufacturing unit could notably cut expenses, enhance supply chain stability, and bolster the local healthcare sector.
Investors may additionally look into providing equipment supplies, services, and maintenance. This ensures that diagnostic and treatment facilities possess operational, top-notch machinery for long-term sustainability.
B&FT, NVAME: Could you share details about the significant research projects the Commission is pursuing to improve healthcare services using nuclear technology?
Prof. Hasford
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) is involved in various research efforts via its Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute with the aim of improving healthcare using nuclear technology. Specifically, the Radiopharmacy and Nuclear Medicine Centre located within RAMSRI concentrates on investigating how radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine methods can tackle health issues in Ghana.
This involves creating advanced nuclear imaging techniques to enhance both diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, the Medical Radiation Physics Centre plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines for medical imaging, guaranteeing the secure and efficient application of radiation in diagnosis and treatment.
The institute delves into the study of radiation and how it impacts human biology, along with exploring the use of nuclear methods in maternal and pediatric nutritional practices. In addition to conducting research, GAEC actively engages in educating the public and advocating for health issues through various programs. This includes outreach efforts focused on breast, prostate, and cervical cancers, which aim to increase knowledge and encourage early diagnosis among communities.
Furthermore, GAEC has played a pivotal role in establishing key health facilities, including radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centers, and in training the necessary human resources to operate these centers effectively.
B&FT, NVAME: Concerns from the general public regarding radiation exposure are widespread. What key information should be communicated to the public about radiation, and what safeguards are currently established to guarantee nuclear safety in medical settings?
Prof. Hasford
: Public concerns about radiation exposure in Ghana are understandable, given the increasing use of nuclear technology in healthcare, energy, and industry. However, it is important for the public to know that medical radiation technologies are highly regulated and designed to ensure maximum safety while delivering critical healthcare benefits.
In diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear medicine) and cancer treatment (radiotherapy), the amount of radiation exposure is carefully controlled and kept within safe limits, minimizing any long-term health risks. Unlike harmful radioactive contamination, the radiation used in medical applications is targeted, temporary, and used only when medically necessary.
To maintain nuclear safety within the healthcare sector, Ghana has established rigorous regulatory and oversight mechanisms. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) enforces radiation protection standards, guaranteeing that all medical institutions utilizing radiation adhere to global guidelines outlined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Moreover, the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) carries out routine safety checks, monitors radiation doses, and provides staff training to safeguard both medical professionals and patients. Healthcare facilities further employ lead barriers, wear dosimeters for tracking radiation levels, and enforce rigorous operating procedures to minimize unwarranted exposures.
Initiatives aimed at public education and awareness have been established to clarify the risks associated with radiation and boost trust in nuclear medical practices. The GAEC, along with the Ministry of Health and organizations like the Ghana Society for Medical Physics (GSMP), regularly interact with the community via seminars, media interactions, and educational courses designed to alleviate worries and improve knowledge about radiation safety. Through rigorous adherence to stringent safety protocols, Ghana guarantees that nuclear medicine stays secure, efficient, and advantageous for better diagnostic outcomes and treatments.
B&FT, NVAME: What measures or educational programs are in place to guarantee that healthcare workers manage this use of nuclear technology in medical procedures with safety?
Prof. Hasford
Ghana has implemented thorough policies and educational initiatives aimed at guaranteeing that healthcare providers manage nuclear technologies securely during medical procedures. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), set up through the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act of 2015 (Act 895), monitors the use of civilian nuclear and radioactive substances, enforcing compliance with safety protocols in medical contexts.
When it comes to training, the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) holds a crucial position. The RPI’s Radiation Protection Training and Consultancy Centre (RPTCC) provides educational programs and training in areas such as radiation protection, safety, and nuclear security tailored for healthcare professionals. Importantly, the RPI has hosted specialized workshops aimed at radiographers and X-ray technologists, concentrating on methods to reduce hazards related to radiation exposure and ensuring these professionals stay updated with appropriate procedures.
In addition, the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) at GAEC performs acceptance testing and commissioning of radiation therapy devices. This ensures their optimal functionality and precision in delivering radiation doses, thereby safeguarding both patients and personnel when using this equipment clinically.
Working alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), RAMSRI welcomes and educates medical physicists from various African nations through fellowship initiatives focused on diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine.
The objective of these initiatives is to boost the skills of medical physicists throughout Africa, guaranteeing the secure and efficient use of nuclear technology in medicine. Moreover, the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS), affiliated with the University of Ghana and acknowledged by the IAEA since 2006, functions as an outstanding hub for educating radiation protection specialists and medical physicists, thereby enhancing the cultivation of proficient experts in this domain.
B&FT, NVAME: Could you share the GAEC’s perspective on the future role of nuclear technology in Ghana’s healthcare sector, along with the necessary actions required to realize this vision? Is it possible to establish feasible timeframes for these objectives?
Prof. Hasford
: The
Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
envisiones un futuro donde la tecnología nuclear tiene un papel crucial en mejorar el sistema de salud de Gana.
This vision focuses on expanding the use of nuclear applications to improve diagnostic and therapeutic services, particularly in oncology and other critical medical fields. To realize this, GAEC aims to establish advanced nuclear medicine and radiotherapy centers, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge medical technologies across the country.
Furthermore, GAEC aims to enhance both RAMSRI and the GAEC hospital over the medium to long term, transforming them into facilities equipped for managing radiation emergencies as Iran advances with its nuclear power initiatives. Additionally, GAEC is actively promoting research and development within the field of nuclear science to tackle common health issues and to educate a competent workforce proficient in the safe and effective application of nuclear technology in medical settings.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
).
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