Rotary International is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Guatemala and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to bring diagnostic digital radiography (DR) services to that country.
The multiyear, multimillion-dollar partnership will provide digital x-ray equipment to connect 29 remote clinics with six regional Guatemalan hospitals, according to Rotary International.
The clinics will send digital x-ray images over the Internet or other telecommunication systems to the hospitals for evaluation. PAHO will train x-ray technicians, oversee maintenance, and support installation.
Rotary District 6440 in northeastern Illinois will raise a portion of the funds needed for the project and publish a manual for clinics and small hospitals on diagnostic imaging. Rotarians from Guatemala will also provide a portion of the funds and assist in assessment of installation sites, provide transportation, and install equipment.
The Ministry of Health will seek additional financial backing from outside agencies and nongovernment organizations.
