MRI scarcity in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Mohammad Jalloul, Monica Miranda‐Schaeubinger, Abass M. Noor, Joel M. Stein, Raisa Amiruddin, Hermon Miliard Derbew, Victoria L. Mango, RA Akinola, Kelly Hart, Joseph Weygand, Erica Pollack, Sharon Mohammed, John R. Scheel, Jessica Shell, Farouk Dako, Pradnya Mhatre, Lauren Fuller Kulinski, Hansel J. Otero, Daniel J. Mollura
Abstract
Since the introduction of MRI as a sustainable diagnostic modality, global accessibility to its services has revealed a wide discrepancy between populations-leaving most of the population in LMICs without access to this important imaging modality. Several factors lead to the scarcity of MRI in LMICs; for example, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of a dedicated workforce are key factors in the scarcity observed. RAD-AID has contributed to the advancement of radiology globally by collaborating with our partners to make radiology more accessible for medically underserved communities. However, progress is slow and further investment is needed to ensure improved global access to MRI.