MEDICAL technology service company Image Plus Consultant has gone back to the drawing board to re-evaluate and enhance its offerings amid growing competition in the diagnostic imaging market.

The company, which acquired two imaging machines last year, is pulling out all the stops to secure existing customers and attract new ones, particularly those needing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or mammography services.

Its goal is to recover from declining profits.

“We are very encouraged by the demand for MRI service in Ocho Rios and recognise that it is probably because that area doesn’t have many options. We also recognise that our unit allows us to do two particular types of studies that aren’t done by many others: MRI of the breast and the prostate,” CEO Kisha Anderson told shareholders during the company’s annual general meeting on Monday.

“For mammography, the demand is strong in Ocho Rios and continues to grow, however in Kingston there is a need to increase awareness due to higher competition for mammography services,” she added.

Anderson now wants to scale the intake of clients for both modalities daily and has devised a strategy to hit that goal by the close of 2025. It includes greater focus on the execution of its services, boosting referrals from both private physicians and hospitals, and improving the “patient journey”. That journey starts from the moment a referral is made to Image Plus — which trades as Apex Radiology — to when the report is sent back to the physician.

“We want to look at every step at that journey and ensure that we are doing it as efficiently as possible…that we are delivering good care to the patient and at the least cost to our company so that we can make more profit,” Anderson said.

Image Plus also aims to optimise its online presence with a focus on appearing as a top option against competitors like Elite Diagnostic Imaging Services, Alpha Imaging Centre, and Premier Radiology, in online searches.

Further, Anderson said more attention will be given to appointment coordination to include a review of the process for handling requests via
WhatsApp, phone calls, and on the company’s website. The company also said it will streamline the patient registration process to ensure quick bed turnover and patient satisfaction.

“I look forward to coming and telling you next year how well we are doing,” the CEO said.

On the human resource side Image Plus is investing in its staff, particularly radiographers, who face the risk of being poached locally and internationally.

Recognising their desire for professional development Anderson said the company has been supporting its staff through specialisation in various modalities. For example, for those interested in transitioning to sonography, ultrasound training is provided. Similarly, radiographers focusing on MRI modalities receive support to enhance their skills.

“This approach not only improves their experience and engagement with the company but also aids in their personal development. Additionally, the company has increased some salaries to match Government offerings,” Anderson said.

Incorporated in February 2006, Image Plus Consultants commenced operations at 2a Molynes Road in St Andrew under the trade name Apex X-ray and Ultrasound Services. The company, which offers services such as MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans, has since expanded to four locations.

Amid works to boost its top line and net profit, Image Plus is also pressing ahead on plans to build a new headquarters on Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston. Discussion around how the projected four-storey building will be financed are expected to take place at the board level soon.

In the interim, the company is keeping an eye out for acquisition opportunities.