The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) is set to revolutionize its laboratory operations with the introduction of a cutting-edge integrated chemistry immunoassay analyzer.
This new technology promises to streamline laboratory diagnostics and improve patient care by addressing long-standing challenges in chemical analysis and laboratory investigations.
Flokefama, a leading provider of innovative healthcare solutions, has taken a bold step toward improving healthcare diagnostics in West Africa.
The company has introduced the state-of-the-art M680 analyzer at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), setting a new standard for laboratory efficiency and patient care in the region.
Emmanuel Eye Kenney, CEO of Flokefama, explained the significance of the innovation during the unveiling on Tuesday.
“For us at Flokefama, we call ourselves the 'purveyors of excellence in healthcare,' and by that, we mean identifying critical gaps and providing solutions to meet those needs. One significant challenge we noticed is the turnaround time for essential lab tests such as chemistries, immunoassays, and electrolytes, especially in facilities that manage high patient volumes. This delay affects patients who need immediate results for life-saving interventions.”
The M680 machine is a groundbreaking addition to the diagnostic landscape, being the first of its kind in West Africa.
“This machine is a game-changer,” Mr. Kenney said.
“It can perform up to 600 chemistry tests and 3,240 immunoassays within an hour. These include lipid profiles, kidney function tests like creatinine, cardiac markers, fertility hormones, and electrolytes. The efficiency it brings is unmatched.”
One of the standout features of the M680 is its ability to handle emergencies seamlessly.
“Even while running its routine tests, the machine allows for emergency samples to be prioritized,” Mr. Kenney highlighted.
“For instance, if a patient arrives at the emergency unit needing urgent tests, the sample can be introduced and processed immediately without disrupting the ongoing workload. This ensures critical results are delivered faster, potentially saving lives.”
The introduction of the M680 aligns with UGMC’s vision of becoming the leading medical facility in Ghana.
Flokefama hopes this move will inspire other major hospitals in the country to adopt similar advanced technologies.
“We’re excited to partner with UGMC, which continues to position itself as a hub of medical excellence in Ghana,” Kenney added. “With this machine, we believe the future of diagnostics in Ghana and West Africa looks brighter.”
The launch of the M680 reflects Flokefama’s commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare delivery through innovative solutions, ensuring better outcomes for patients across the region.
Pascal Hodogbe, Head of Laboratories at UGMC, expressed his excitement about the new technology, describing it as a major stress reliever for the laboratory team.
“Before the arrival of this machine, we relied on separate devices for different tests—one for general chemistry, another for immunoassays, and a third for electrolyte testing. This often caused delays and operational challenges, including supply chain issues and reagent shortages,” he said.
The new analyzer consolidates these functions into a single, integrated unit, dramatically improving efficiency.
“This technology combines the functions of three machines into one. It not only saves time but also eliminates the need to deal with multiple suppliers and the associated difficulties. With Flokefama’s placement agreement, the machine has been procured and placed for our use, and they will supply reagents regularly to ensure uninterrupted service,” Mr. Hodogbe explained.
The analyzer boasts an expansive range of diagnostic capabilities, from immunology and cardiac enzyme testing to thyroid function, electrolyte analysis, and metabolic assessments.
It can support the diagnosis of various conditions prevalent in the population, including thyroid disorders, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues, and bone disorders.
“This technology significantly reduces the turnaround time for critical tests, allowing us to diagnose conditions more quickly and accurately,” Mr. Hodogbe noted.
“It’s a game-changer for managing diseases like diabetes and cardiac conditions, where timely intervention is crucial.”
The addition of the integrated analyzer underscores UGMC’s commitment to adopting advanced healthcare solutions to improve patient outcomes.
With its enhanced diagnostic capacity, the hospital is well-positioned to lead in the delivery of quality healthcare in Ghana.
As the first facility in Ghana to benefit from this cutting-edge technology, UGMC sets a benchmark for medical excellence, offering hope for faster and more accurate diagnoses for patients across the country.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), UGMC, Dr. Kwame Anim-Boamah lauded the arrival of the innovative machine as a major milestone for the facility.
“Laboratory diagnosis, particularly in chemistry, plays a critical role in the effective management of patients. However, in our part of the world, obtaining reliable laboratory investigations often comes with significant challenges, ranging from machine inefficiencies to reagent shortages,” the CEO remarked.
The new analyzer offers a one-stop solution to these issues, consolidating multiple diagnostic functions into a single machine.
It is capable of performing a wide array of tests, including general chemistry, immunoassays, and electrolyte analysis, with exceptional speed and accuracy.
“This is an exciting day for UGMC,” Dr. Anim-Boamah continued.
“We are confident this technology will mark the beginning of transformative developments in our chemistry lab, putting an end to the challenges we have faced in conducting chemical analyses. It is not just a solution; it is a promise of better outcomes for our patients.”
The partnership with Flokefama, which facilitated the introduction of the new equipment, was also commended.
The CEO expressed gratitude to the company for their commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through this initiative.
The adoption of this cutting-edge diagnostic technology underscores UGMC’s dedication to becoming a leader in healthcare innovation and patient care excellence in Ghana.
With this new addition, the hospital is poised to set new standards in laboratory diagnostics, paving the way for more reliable and timely patient management.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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