Torba Provincial Hospital now has a young registered nurse operating its new X-ray and scanning machines, which were launched last year.

Raysbone Joel, a young registered nurse in Torba Province, is now working full-time to operate the X-ray and scan machines at the hospital.

He gained his skills after completing one month of training and practical experience on how to use both machines at Vanuatu National Hospital in Port Vila.

Mr Joel said the hospital now has access to X-ray services and explained the functions of the machines.

“The X-ray machine is used to examine body parts, while the scan machine is different but produces similar results.”

Torba Provincial Public Health Manager, Hendry Wetur, said he is pleased to see young workers in hospitals able to operate such equipment.

He added that the X-ray equipment is helping medical officers diagnose patients.

“These machines help medical officers diagnose patients, and over 100 patients have already used them.”

More than 100 people have accessed the X-ray services since the machines were launched last year, with many patients being pregnant mothers coming for scans.

In the past, Torba Provincial Hospital had to refer many emergency cases to Vanuatu National Hospital or Northern Provincial Hospital due to lack of such equipment.

But now, the hospital has these machines and a trained nurse to operate the X-ray services.