7 Benefits of Ultrasounds in Rural Rwanda: The Case of Ruhunda Health Center
Obstetrical Ultrasound scans are a critical part of antenatal care for pregnant women.
Here are SEVEN critical benefits of ultrasounds that demonstrate the transformative impact of ultrasounds for clients, facility, and rural communities.
Early detection and timely treatment of pregnancy complications
The introduction of ultrasound services at Ruhunda Health Center has revolutionized maternal health care in our area. We can now diagnose pregnancy complications early, ensuring that all issues are treated promptly. This early intervention has significantly improved the health outcomes for both mothers and babies, ultimately saving lives in the process.
Reduction in unnecessary hospital transfers
By offering comprehensive ultrasound services, we have minimized the need for patients to travel to hospitals, especially women who do not require C-sections. This has not only eased the burden on hospitals but has also made health care more convenient so patients can be treated quickly.
Economic empowerment
With ultrasound services available locally, patients no longer need to spend time and resources traveling to hospitals. This time saved allows them to focus on their daily activities and economic ventures, leading to improved livelihoods and economic growth within our community.
Increased revenue for health centers
Offering ultrasound services has generated additional income for our Ruhunda health care facility. These funds are crucial for supporting various activities and improvements, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality healthcare.
Enhanced quality of care and patient satisfaction
The availability of ultrasound services has improved the quality of care from conception onwards. Health care providers can monitor every change throughout pregnancy, allowing for better management until labor. This comprehensive care has led to higher patient satisfaction and trust in our services.
Excitement and relief for mothers
Mothers are thrilled to see their babies in the womb and are reassured knowing that any pregnancy problems can be identified and addressed in a timely manner. This peace of mind has made their pregnancy journey more joyous and less stressful.
Empowered and happy providers
Health care providers are equally pleased with the introduction of ultrasound services. The ability to detect problems early has reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates, making their work more fulfilling. Additionally, the time previously spent listening to fetal heart rates using a fetoscope has been significantly reduced, making the process more efficient and affordable.
This impact drives us to keep improving
Health Builders is committed to continuously improving maternal health care in rural Rwanda. Here are a few ways we continue to address challenges and explore opportunities that will benefit our clients:
Lack of Feedback from Hospitals
One challenge we face is the lack of feedback for patients referred to hospitals. Establishing a feedback loop will help us improve our services and follow up on patient outcomes more effectively.
Training and Skill Gaps
Some providers, especially those on night duty, are not yet proficient in using ultrasound equipment. This gap, in addition to trained providers being on leave, can lead to missed opportunities for patients and complicate their treatment.
To address these challenges, we are expanding ultrasound training to more providers and offering refresher courses for those already trained. This will ensure that ultrasound services are always available, regardless of staff absences, and will enhance the overall quality of care we provide.
The introduction of ultrasound technology at Ruhunda Health Center has brought about significant positive changes for both patients and healthcare providers. While there are challenges to address, the overall impact has been transformative, leading to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and economic growth within our community. Seeing these changes motivates us to strive to do even more to benefit maternal health care in rural Rwanda.
