HYDERABAD: The recently acquired Tifa (Targeted Imaging for Foetal Anomalies) scanners, which detect pregnancy complications more quickly and precisely than ultrasound machines, are not being utilised in many several due to a shortage of radiologists to operate them.
As a result, several gynecologists have requested that the government recruit radiologists and support staff for these hospitals, since they are best equipped to operate the machines. The doctors disagree, however, as to whether radiologists or gynecologists should operate the machine.
The health department had installed 58 Tifa machines at a cost of Rs 20 crore in 44 hospitals. According to some estimates, government hospitals perform approximately 36,000 deliveries each month, and these machines are crucial for maternal and newborn health.
According to a junior doctor from a government hospital, there is a shortage of radiologists in hospitals in rural areas, which is why gynaecologists are operating the machines there, as opposed to urban areas where radiologists are available. The doctor stated that gynaecologists could also operate the machine, but radiologists have an expertise in operating them.
Another doctor from a state government hospital said gynaecologists would need to be trained for a few months to be able to use the machine effectively. "Radiologists already have a heavy workload. Therefore, it is preferable to train gynaecologists to operate the machines. Increasing the number of support personnel will also be beneficial. Introducing the machines is definitely a good thing," the doctor said.
Dr Vanya Jasmine, general secretary of the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA), said that not only were gynaecologists able to operate the machines easily, but they also did not require any additional training. Furthermore, she stated that gynaecologists were better equipped than other doctors of other specialties to detect pregnancy complications.
