IR Readiness Assessment

In 2017, we performed an IR readiness assessment of the Muhimbili hospital system in Dar es Salaam and found that there is not a single interventional radiologist in Tanzania, a nation of currently almost 60 million and projected population of over 100 million by 2040. We based our assessment on the IR Readiness Assessment Tool for Global Health proposed by Kline et al. which allowed for an objective institution infrastructure assessment regarding IR including review of imaging facilities, equipment, nursing services, and availability of medications.

Our assessment demonstrated that most relevant imaging modalities, including Ultrasound, CT, and fluoroscopy are already available at Muhimbili. Furthermore, there is availability of nursing services and technologists, and most relevant equipment can be stocked as needed. Most importantly, there is a three year Diagnostic Radiology training program with up 25 residents per year, many of whom are interested in IR but have no access to training.