A major milestone in Ghana’s healthcare sector was recorded in Accra this week as HealthTech Ghana Limited, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), officially commissioned Ghana’s first Philips helium-free Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Diagnostic Centre at the 37 Military Hospital.
The facility, established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, is expected to strengthen diagnostic healthcare services while addressing longstanding challenges associated with maintaining and replacing expensive medical imaging equipment in public hospitals.
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At the centre of the project is the Philips BlueSeal MRI, described as Ghana’s first 1.5 Tesla (1.5T) helium-free MRI system.
MRI technology is used by doctors to produce detailed images of organs, tissues and other structures inside the human body. These scans play a critical role in diagnosing conditions affecting the brain, spine, joints, muscles and internal organs.
Traditionally, MRI machines rely on large quantities of liquid helium to keep their magnets cool. However, helium is expensive, difficult to replace and often challenging to source. The new BlueSeal system significantly reduces dependence on helium, making maintenance easier and improving long-term sustainability.
Healthcare experts say the technology could help reduce service interruptions caused by equipment breakdowns and maintenance difficulties, challenges that have affected diagnostic services in many healthcare facilities over the years.
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Beyond the MRI system, the new centre houses a broad range of diagnostic services under one roof.
The facility includes CT scanning, digital X-ray services, mammography, ultrasound services, laboratory diagnostics and clinical diagnostic services.
According to HealthTech Ghana, bringing these services together in one location is expected to improve efficiency and reduce the burden on patients who often have to visit multiple facilities before receiving a complete diagnosis.
The centre will operate around the clock, providing services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To mark the commissioning of the facility, HealthTech Ghana and 37 Military Hospital have announced a two-week free MRI programme for eligible patients.
The exercise will run from June 8 to June 20, 2026.
Patients seeking to benefit from the initiative must be registered at 37 Military Hospital and present a completed doctor’s request form recommending an MRI scan.
Although the scans themselves will be provided free of charge during the period, patients will be required to pay a minimal fee for MRI image reporting and interpretation by a radiology consultant or specialist.
HealthTech Ghana says the free exercise is intended to improve access to diagnostic services while introducing patients to the new facility.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Chief Executive Officer of HealthTech Ghana Limited, Daniel Morkla, noted that access to MRI services has remained difficult for many Ghanaians for years.
According to him, the commissioning of the new centre goes beyond restoring MRI services and creates a comprehensive diagnostic ecosystem capable of supporting healthcare professionals with faster and more accurate diagnoses.
The project is also being viewed as an important example of how public-private partnerships can help improve healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Under the PPP model, private sector investment is combined with the institutional capacity and expertise of public healthcare facilities. The arrangement allows critical infrastructure to be developed and maintained without placing the entire financial burden on government institutions.
HealthTech Ghana explained that the model was designed to address recurring challenges such as equipment breakdowns, maintenance limitations and the high cost of replacing advanced medical technology.
The company believes the partnership creates a more sustainable system capable of delivering long-term healthcare benefits.
Medical professionals are expected to use the facility in diagnosing and managing a wide range of conditions, including stroke, trauma cases, cancer detection and staging, musculoskeletal disorders, and diseases affecting the brain and chest.
The centre’s integrated laboratory services covering haematology, biochemistry and pathology are also expected to speed up diagnosis and treatment by reducing delays associated with multiple referrals.
The facility at 37 Military Hospital represents the first phase of a broader national strategy aimed at expanding access to advanced healthcare services across Ghana.
According to HealthTech Ghana, future plans include the establishment of similar PPP-based centres in other parts of the country, with a focus on advanced medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics and dialysis services.
The long-term objective is to ensure that more Ghanaians, regardless of where they live or their economic background, have access to modern diagnostic and healthcare services.
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