Radiography Day: Radiologists caution Nigerians against unapproved diagnostic centres, quacks

 

Participants at a lecture to commemorate the ‘2021 World Radiography Day (WRD)’ have urged Nigerians to ensure they patronise only approved diagnostic centres/facilities for all radiodiagnosis services.

The lecture was organised by the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Lagos State Chapter in Lagos.

The theme of the 2021 WRD is: “The Role of Radiographer In A Pandemic”

Dr Ayodele Okhiria, a past President of ARN, while delivering a keynote address appealed to the masses to endeavour to go to standard and accredited hospitals where there were X-Ray facilities, competent and licensed professionals.

According to him, X-Ray radiation is dangerous to living cell, if handled by quack doctors; as it can cause more harm to the patient.

Okhiria, also the Chairman of the occasion, therefore, warned Nigerians against patronising quack doctors, advising that they should not compromise their health for any reason.

“The masses should endeavour to visit standard and accredited health facilities for proper medical treatment and diagnosis because the consequences could be immense when X-rays are handled by unqualified and incompetent personnel.

“The masses have the right to demand for the licence of the radiographer who is dispensing radiation services to them. And failure of the radiographer to present the qualifications, you have the right to report that health facility to the regulatory body – Radiographers Registrations Board of Nigeria and alike for appropriate action and sanctions,” he said.

Mr Femi Olagunju, the Guest Speaker at the event , said that radiographers have critical roles to play in pandemics, urging them to always prioritise the health and safety of patients.

Olagunju said that radiographer should implement the recommendations of diagnosis based on the equipment availability.

“Radiographers should bear in mind that recommendations for imaging depend on severity and symptoms. They should always consider the potential harms from exposure to ionizing radiation, in particular for pregnant women and children.

“And always ensure that the image quality is maintained before leaving the patient,” Olagunju said.

Dr Livinus Abonyi, Vice-chairman, ARN Lagos Chapter, identified dearth of manpower and facilities as impediments to development of radiography profession in Nigeria, calling on the government to provide the necessary facilities and more machines that would help in promoting radiography practice.

Abonyi, Lecturer, Department of Medical Radiography, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said that having more machines in place and also training the personnel further on how to operate the facilities would help to grow the profession and thereby save more lives.

“The high rate of under-diagnosis and lack of adequate facilities in most radiodiagnostic outfits are part of the major challenges facing the radiography practice in Nigeria.

“What to do we have, but the facilities are not enough and we need more and modern facilities because the little we have are burdened. There is need to boost training of personnel in this speciality; majority of the trained ones have left the country to abroad in search of greener pastures,” Abonyi said.

Mr Sule Joshua, the General Secretary, ARN Lagos Chapter Called for more public enlightenment and education about the radiography practice, saying that ignorance was a major hindrance.

Joshua said that lack of adequate knowledge/enlightenment about radiography services due to the few consequences that come with radiation had made many people not to demand for radiodiagnosis service.

“Quiet number of people believed that X-rays causes cancer. As a result, they disassociate themselves from anything radiation. But, I can assure you that most the negative effects of radiation occurs particularly when it is being dispensed by an unqualified personnel; which is why quackery must be discouraged,” Joshua said.

Earlier, the Chairman, ARN Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Opeoluwa Oduwole, said the purpose of World Radiography Day was to raise public awareness of radiographic imaging and therapy.

Oduwole said radiography plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and the treatment of patients; hence improving the quality of patient care.

According to her, the radiography day is celebrated annually on Nov.8, to mark the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays in 1895.

“The role of a Radiographer in a pandemic is apt. The spread of COVID-19 shocked the world and posed obvious challenges in the diagnosis and management. It altered the practice of medicine. Radiographers were not left out in the struggle to effect diagnosis, determine pathophysiology, monitor treatment and confirm cure.

“Conventional X-rays, Computed Tomography and Ultrasonography had effectively been deployed in respect of the above; they have played tremendous role in Covid-19 management,” she said.

Photo caption:
The Chairman, ARN Lagos Branch, Mrs Opeoluwa Oduwole (center) & The Executive Secretary, HEFEMMA Dr Mrs Idowu (left)