Bridging the Radiological Healthcare Divide with Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Radiology is an important pillar of good healthcare. Yet, it is estimated that two-thirds of the world’s population has no or inadequate access to basic X-ray examinations and/or ultrasound. Most of these occur in low to middle income or developing countries. The main reason would be the cost of radiology services, being equipment intensive and resource hungry. Inroads in meeting the acute needs of these countries have been made by some non-profit organizations. One possible innovation to meet this challenge and improve public access to quality radiology and radiation protection is by applying social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is the application of an unusual or innovative approach to solve a social or environmental problem. The emphasis is on positive social or environmental impact. In practical terms for bridging the radiological divide, it will be through leadership, collaboration and participation. Examples of social radiology include the Physicians Ultrasound in Rwanda Education Initiative, RAD-AID International and the Malaysian College of Radiology’s Value Added Mammogram Program. However, infrastructure, finance, education, policy, equipment maintenance, safety and radiation protection issues must also be addressed to reduce waste and inefficiency. Social entrepreneurship offers an innovative solution to meet societal needs, which is sustainable, pervasive and positive. Financial sustainability may be achieved through grants, donations, a viable business model or a combined approach. Microfinance together with training, impact investments or social impact bonds could help the social entrepreneur to achieve the goals faster. The focus is on pro-active and positive social impact, not just financial goals. It produces results faster, provides an alternative, or assists governments and public sectors to achieve more equitable coverage of quality radiological healthcare including those at the base of the pyramid.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Franklin D. Roosevelt, 20 Jan 1937