Medical imaging

PFSCM helps strengthen medical imaging infrastructure through project-based procurement services.

Expanding access to imaging equipment in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure is critical to improving global health outcomes, particularly in areas with high burdens of TB and COVID-19.

 

Medical imaging equipment, such as X-rays, CT scanners, and ultrasound machines, plays an essential role in global health, particularly in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19. These diseases pose significant challenges to public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited, yet the disease burden is high. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis in controlling the spread of TB and COVID-19, and medical imaging is a crucial component in achieving this goal.

Diagnostic imaging

Chest X-rays are a primary tool in diagnosing pulmonary TB, revealing hallmark features such as lung infiltrates and cavities. In regions with high TB prevalence, X-rays are often the first imaging modality used for screening due to their cost-effectiveness, speed, and relatively wide availability. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, chest X-rays have also become critical in assessing patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Both diseases primarily affect the lungs, and while the imaging patterns differ, radiography is essential for initial diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The WHO recommends integrating chest X-rays into TB and COVID-19 screening programs to enhance early detection and improve outcomes, especially in resource-constrained settings.

Computer-aided diagnostics (CAD/AI) to support TB detection (software or software and hardware options) can be implemented in various X-ray procedures with their chest X-ray screening tool to detect signs of pulmonary, hilar, and pleural TB and other lung malignancies in high-risk populations and certain cardiac disorders. CAD/AI digitizes the TB screening process and delivers rapid results with patient registration and reporting features. Online and offline options are available to process and analyze the images of adults and children from age 4+.

Computed Tomography (CT) scans offer great precision and detail, making them indispensable in complicated cases of TB and COVID-19. CT scans are beneficial for detecting early or asymptomatic stages of TB, as well as identifying extrapulmonary TB, which may not be visible on an X-ray. In COVID-19 cases, CT scans can reveal ground-glass opacities and other patterns that suggest viral pneumonia, helping clinicians assess disease severity. The WHO has highlighted the role of CT in managing COVID-19, particularly for critically ill patients, while also recommending that its use be balanced with availability and cost considerations, particularly in lower-resource regions.

Ultrasound, while not commonly used for diagnosing pulmonary TB or COVID-19, has a valuable role in diagnosing extrapulmonary TB, such as TB affecting the abdomen or lymph nodes. It is also helpful for evaluating certain complications of COVID-19, such as blood clots or pleural effusion. Ultrasound’s portability and relatively low cost make it an essential tool for point-of-care testing in remote or underserved areas. The WHO supports using accessible imaging technologies like ultrasound in primary care settings, mainly where more advanced imaging is unavailable.

Sample list of PFSCM medical imaging equipment

 

  • Lung x-raysMobile, portable, ultraportable, and fixed or stationary digital radiography systems and associated software.
  • CT scanners and associated software.
  • Ultrasounds and associated software.
  • Different types of imaging film.
  • Safety shields and protective materials

PFSCM’s medical imaging services

PFSCM offers integrated supply chain services, including strategic sourcing, purchasing or procurement, logistics services, and project management.

For medical imaging specifically, PFSCM:

  • Manages tenders and contracts.
  • Manages suppliers and their authorized distributors.
  • Undertakes quality assurance, including supplier audits, and oversees the whole supply chain process from transactional procurement through delivery and installation in-country.
  • Collaborates closely with the suppliers to put maintenance, warranties, training, and other after-sales services in place to ensure the longevity and productivity of equipment.
  • Procures software to accompany many of the imaging equipment.

Strategic sourcing

PFSCM works closely with our clients to gain a deep understanding of their purchasing needs. We take a holistic approach to strategic sourcing, considering cost (total cost of ownership), quality, supplier reliability, risk management, and sustainability. By leveraging data and market insights, we help negotiate better contracts, reduce supply chain risks, and improve operational efficiency.

Logistics

PFSCM ensures the timely and cost-effective delivery of medical imaging equipment; we prioritize the coordination between clients, suppliers, and logistics service providers and leverage technology for real-time tracking and data analysis to improve decision-making and responsiveness.

Purchasing

PFSCM adheres to international best procurement practices to ensure our clients can access products at the best value while meeting quality and delivery standards. Key practices include thorough supplier evaluation, clear contract terms, and leveraging competitive bidding processes to secure favorable pricing. Effective procurement drives cost savings and operational excellence by focusing on strategic sourcing and collaboration.

Project management

PFSCM oversees the whole supply chain process for medical imaging equipment. We work with local or international suppliers to ensure our clients cost-effectively get the best products, and we also guarantee the longevity of the equipment by arranging maintenance, warranties, and training services and contracts. We work closely with our clients to help ensure they can receive and install the equipment at their sites and enjoy a long and productive machine life with replenishment services for consumables.

PFSCM’s medical imaging experience

PFSCM has supported the medical imaging portfolio for a large global donor since 2020.

  • We have delivered more than $121 million worth of medical imaging equipment to 50 countries.
  • We contracted several geographically diverse suppliers and their authorized distributors to ensure sustainable supply.

 

Read more about our

X-ray systems, including mobile, portable, ultraportable, and fixed (stationary) systems procured

Ultrasound systems procured

CT scanners procured

PFSCM has helped 50 countries access lifesaving medical imaging equipment

PFSCM X-ray Selector Tool

PFSCM has also developed an X-ray Selector Tool that helps clients easily and quickly search for and select X-ray products in appropriate bundles for their specific setting/resource or programmatic needs. All the details about the bundle, including pricing and software, can be viewed and downloaded from the tool to speed up the ordering process.

The X-ray Selector Tool can be accessed through My Orders, an access-controlled platform for PFSCM clients.

PFSCM’s notable projects

Notable projects in recent years included supporting Mozambique with the rollout of several X-ray systems and CT scanners, Nigeria with the country-wide distribution of hundreds of portable X-rays, Tanzania with the distribution of hundreds of portable ultrasound machines, and Pakistan with the implementation of X-ray units.

PFSCM delivered technical assistance (TA) to clients via in-country support, guiding them in commissioning medical imaging equipment and preparing for the arrival of large machinery. In Mozambique, our TA efforts centered on on-site preparation, building human resource capacity, startup planning, and risk mitigation for newly acquired CT scanners.

In Pakistan, PFSCM sourced mobile and portable X-ray units, CAD systems, and essential tools such as printers, computers, solar panels, and other installation equipment. Collaborating closely with local recipients and the 3PL, PFSCM designed a plan to ensure the safe delivery and setup of the new equipment, organizing a secure convoy transporting items 1,400 kilometers by road to the warehouse.

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