Challenges and prospects of success in diagnostic imaging entrepreneurship in Harare, Zimbabwe

The health industry is growing with it medical imaging, making radiology big business. With an increase in demand of radiographic services it presents opportunities for individuals to venture into private outpatient imaging centres for business. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges associated with the establishment and management of a private outpatient imaging centre in Harare, Zimbabwe and to assess the prospect of success in the business of private imaging centres.

The research design adopted for the study was a cross sectional survey using mixed methodologies. The target population were the proprietors of private imaging centres. Seventeen such departments were identified and included in the study. A questionnaire was administered to the proprietors of the businesses. The major findings from the study indicated that the main challenges faced by the proprietors were an unstable economic environment, finding and start up capital. Patient throughput was recorded as stable in 50% of the participating centres, 40% of the centres believed it was decreasing whilst 10% were of the opinion it was increasing. The conclusion drawn from the results were that despite the challenges proprietors encountered during the establishment of their centres and in the management of these centres there is prospect of success in diagnostic imaging entrepreneurship.