The first of its kind in the Eastern Region, the MRI is medical equipment that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body to assist medical doctors to view injuries, tumors, and certain heart problems.

Speaking at the inaugu­ration, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AAFC, Mr Frans Van Schaik, said they were pleased with the success of the EASE programme which had im­pacted largely on the health sector across the globe.

The move, he said forms part of efforts by the hospital to enhance health delivery within the community and the country at large.

He said his company was pleased to collaborate with the St Dominic Hospital to deliver the MRI Scan to provide quality healthcare within the region and beyond.

On her part, the Vice President, EASE Healthcare and Managing Director, EASE Ghana, Dr Kanyin­sola Oyeyinka added that with the health­care needs across the globe becoming more complex, MRI Scanners were an increasingly import­ant tool for accurate diagnosis and disease management.

Giving the high cost of associated with the acquisition and running of MRIs, she said there was an underserved popula­tion in many parts of Ghana and Sub-Sa­haran Africa more broadly.

“EASE allows healthcare facilities to procure high-value equipment that was previously inaccessi­ble to them, thereby increasing the quality of care that can be delivered to their patients,” she explained.

She said they were confident that the St Dominic Hospital would be an excellent partner with EASE for many years and con­tinue to serve the community in Akwatia and the Eastern Region at large.

The Catholic Bishop of Ko­foridua Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, who was the guest speaker said he was pleased to witness the expansion of diag­nostic structures at the hospital.

From a humble beginning, he said they had seen the emergence of advanced facilities such as the state-of-the-art laboratory ser­vices, CT scan services, Endosco­py and now, the MRI technology, the first and only in the East.

“These advancements are not just milestones; they represent hope and progress, allowing for accurate prognosis and bring­ing the much needed relief to the many patients we serve,” he stated.

The Eastern Regional Director of Health Service, Dr Winfred Ofosu, expressed appreciation to the hospital for improvement in the quality of healthcare for patients.

“We are delighted for the sup­port from EASE and promise to take care of the facility to benefit future generations,” the Hospital Manager and Administrator, Rev. Fr. Ebenezer Kenneth Abban said.