Radiographers have identified quackery, lack of modern equipment and the high cost of equipment as key challenges facing the profession. They made this known on Saturday in Abuja at a free radiology workshop themed "The Future of Radiology", organised by Cassona Global Imaging and Neusoft Medical Systems.

Mr Ebere Onwuegbuutu, a radiographer with the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, described quackery as a major challenge confronting the profession.

According to him, many individuals who are neither professionally trained, registered, nor licensed are practising radiology. "They see it as an opportunity to make quick money, without considering the dangers they pose to human beings exposed to these substandard diagnoses.

"As a regulatory body, we seek a situation where the standard of practice is upheld across the board," he said.

Onwuegbuutu added that although there had been major technological advancements to enhance patient care, such equipment was often unavailable for public use in Nigeria due to the high cost, making it difficult for hospitals to acquire them.

"It would be highly beneficial if collaborations could help reduce the cost of this equipment, making it more affordable and accessible across the country," he stated.

Speaking on the impact of the workshop, he said it was timely, as the profession was evolving and technological advancement was key to achieving accurate and timely diagnoses.

"Image acquisition must have clinical relevance, and the images should be capable of being stored, retrieved, and transmitted to clinicians," he explained.

Mr Isaac Pada, a Clinical Medical Physicist at the National Hospital, Abuja, also highlighted the impact of the ongoing brain drain, popularly referred to as 'Japa' on the healthcare sector.

According to him, a huge number of radiographers and medical physicians have left the country in search of better remuneration abroad. My advice to the government is to critically assess the welfare of healthcare professionals, improve their remuneration packages, and create a more conducive environment for practice. They should also consider providing incentives to encourage professionals to remain and serve their fatherland," he said.

Pada further noted that the absence of a structured training programme was adversely affecting the development of the profession.

However, he expressed optimism that the workshop would broaden the knowledge base of radiographers, medical physicians, and radiologists, as well as provide insight into operating state-of-the-art equipment.

He added that it would enhance patient service delivery and strengthen the handling of radiation medicine.

One of the facilitators, Mr Samer Noureldine, a Senior Clinical Application Specialist at Neusoft Medical Systems, said the workshop, which involved training radiologists on a new CT scanning device, would improve diagnostic capabilities.

According to him, the device can perform all types of CT examinations except cardiac imaging.

"This is an intermediate-level device that greatly facilitates diagnosis and helps radiologists and radiographers obtain the best images, information, and diagnostic outcomes for effective patient care," he explained.

Mr Nketiah Suphianuh, Sales Lead and Branch Manager of Cassona, said that Africa was lagging in technological advancement, particularly in the field of medical imaging.

"If you go to China, the United States, and other countries, you see advanced technologies. However, in Africa, these technologies are largely absent.

"Cassona is working to bring such advanced technologies to the African continent," he said.