2. Medical Imaging Needs in a Rural Health Center from a Clinical Point of View

In a rural health center, certain health conditions may benefit from simple imaging technologies such as conventional radiography and ultrasound. Radiological and ultrasound findings can help diagnosing: Chest illnesses (e.g., viral and bacterial infections such as tuberculosis), trauma, degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, acute abdominal pain, diarrhea, blunt abdominal trauma, kidney stones, pregnancy, and gynecological problems.  Specific protocols should not be rigid and they should always be a complement of the clinical examination and other tests, such as laboratory exams, if available. Even though a radiologist may not be present, a general practitioner should be available in case a health problem arises during the examination. These practitioners, as well as imaging technologists and/or nurses working in the center, should have minimal medical and technical knowledge of conventional X-ray imaging and basic ultrasound, to decide whether the patient can be managed locally or referred to a higher health care level.