The Department of Medical Imaging at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has received an advanced ultrasound machine with five transducers, valued at USD 40,000, from Cassona Global Imaging Ltd. and Mindray.

The donation marks a step forward in strengthening teaching, research and community outreach at the department. Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. David Asamoah said the initiative stemmed from the need to give students practical experience with modern medical technology.

“Over two years ago, the Department of Medical Imaging identified the need to provide students with hands-on experience. They reached out, built bridges, and nurtured this partnership with patience and determination,” he said.

Head of Department Prof. Amoh Yaw Wiafe said the partnership had already made an impact.

“In February 2023, the department received two ultrasound machines with several transducers, valued at USD 46,000. This replaced nearly obsolete equipment, revitalised teaching and research, and expanded our capacity,” he said.

He added that PhD students are using the machines for research on early prediction of cardiovascular disease risk in children and young adults, while final-year students have provided free community screenings on reproductive health, musculoskeletal conditions and cardiovascular disease.

Prof. Wiafe said the latest donation gives students access to four-dimensional imaging technology for the first time.

“This comes with strain elastography functionality, which improves sensitivity in detecting fibrosis in soft tissue structures,” he said.

Cassona Global Imaging CEO John Chigbu said the company was committed to supporting training at KNUST.

“Since we hire many KNUST graduates, we must support their training with the right tools. Initially, we considered offering a scholarship to one student, but our board decided that donating equipment would have a far greater impact,” he said.

He added that the company’s vision is to help equip the department with a complete diagnostic suite, extending from ultrasound to X-ray, CT and MRI.

Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Christian Agyare, said Cassona and Mindray had donated more than USD 86,000 worth of equipment over the past two years.

“This is exactly the kind of industry-academia partnership our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, continues to advocate,” he said.