A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Radiology Access, Barriers, and Novel Interventions in Low-Income Countries
Keywords:
Radiology, Low-Income Countries (LICs), Global Health, Access to Healthcare, Teleradiology, Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Health EquityAbstract
Introduction: Diagnostic radiology is an essential component of modern healthcare, yet billions of people in Low-Income Countries (LICs) lack access. This disparity, which impacts outcomes for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, remains a neglected area in global health policy. This review systematically synthesizes the evidence on radiology access, barriers, and the impact of novel interventions in LICs.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Springer, Wiley Online Library for studies published between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2025. We included primary studies and surveys focused on LICs (per World Bank GNI ≤ 1,135) that reported on outcomes related to radiology access, barriers, or interventions. Quality assessment was performed using the ROBINS-I and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tools.
Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The results demonstrate a significant and catastrophic deficit in conventional imaging and workforce, with less than one CT scanner per million inhabitants in LICs and diagnostic availability near 0% at the primary care level. This gap is linked to severe outcome disparities, including a 3-month stroke mortality rate 4.5 times higher in LMICs than in HICs (7.7% vs. 1.7%). However, the review also identified significant evidence for novel interventions. Teleradiology implementation in the Democratic Republic of Congo changed patient diagnosis in 62% of cases and management in 41%. AI-assisted diagnostics show significant cost-effectiveness for conditions like tuberculosis in Malawi. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) emerges as a critical, high-impact tool, though its implementation remains profoundly limited.
Discussion: The evidence confirms a "diagnostic void" in LICs, driven by an ecosystem of barriers including lack of maintenance, cost, and workforce deficits. The significance of these findings is twofold: the access gap is directly linked to preventable mortality, and technological interventions provide a proven, cost-effective, and scalable "leapfrog" pathway to bridging this gap.
Conclusion: LICs must prioritize a dual strategy: shoring up basic infrastructure for X-ray and ultrasound while simultaneously scaling up high-impact, technologically-driven solutions like POCUS, AI-assisted diagnosis, and teleradiology. Future investment must shift from sporadic equipment donation to building sustainable human and technical infrastructure.
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