The Ghana Association of Radiologists (GAR) has recently urged the government to invest in advanced imaging technologies to enhance healthcare professionals’ ability to manage traumatic injuries. This appeal was made at the Association’s 12th Annual General & Scientific Meeting in Accra, held from May 29-31, 2024.
This call is both timely and crucial, as the increasing cases of traumatic brain and spinal injuries reported to health facilities pose significant challenges to healthcare providers.
Cassona Global Imaging, a leading provider of diagnostic imaging equipment in West Africa and the major sponsor of the AGM, responded by emphasizing its commitment to addressing the urgent need for timely and accurate diagnoses in the region.
Addressing the Challenges
Since its inception, Cassona has become a frontrunner in supplying affordable and high-quality diagnostic imaging equipment to healthcare facilities in Ghana and other West African countries. Through extensive research and surveys, the company identified four critical issues that needed addressing in the West African market:
Affordability of Medical Imaging Equipment
Cassona is the exclusive distributor for Mindray Imaging equipment in Ghana and has partnered with Neusoft Medical Systems to distribute CT scanners, Cathlabs, and MRI modalities in West Africa. Additionally, Cassona has partnered with Medical Scientific, a US-based mammogram manufacturer, to provide mammograms to healthcare facilities in the region. The company focuses on well-known manufacturers that offer state-of-the-art yet affordable imaging equipment.
Accessibility to Credit Facilities
Accessibility to credit is a significant challenge in Africa, particularly in the healthcare sector. Cassona works closely with potential buyers to offer credit terms, providing financing programs ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on the product and the buyer’s creditworthiness. The company’s goal is to enable every entrepreneur to grow their business.
Power Solutions
Unstable electricity is a major cause of imaging equipment breakdowns in this region. To combat this issue, Cassona provides a complimentary UPS with every piece of medical imaging equipment sold, ensuring healthcare providers can continue their essential work without interruption.
Maintenance and Operational Continuity
Maintenance is a critical issue for healthcare facilities in West Africa. Cassona has a fully functional in-house engineering team with overseas-trained engineers leading young local engineers ready to deliver maintenance services across the country.
Cassona’s Journey
Founded in 2013 in the United States, Cassona initially focused on providing international import and export finance consultancy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape, presenting the founders with a new opportunity. The tragic passing of the founder’s mother due to a lack of timely cancer diagnosis inspired the creation of Cassona Global Imaging. In 2022, the company established its headquarters in Accra, Ghana, driven by the founders’ recognition of the significant lack of functional medical imaging equipment for timely diagnoses in West Africa.