By Azoma Chikwe
To improve treatment of diseases in Nigeria as well as reducing medical tourism, Me Cure Healthcare Limited (MHL), has trained over 67 radiographers on the use of high-tech medical equipment .
The radiographers, which include interns and university students, were trained on the practical use of Computed Tomography(CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) , at the Oshodi and Lekki branches of the health facility. Others include, the use of digital X-ray machines among others.
Speaking at the end of the Compulsory Professional Development Programme organized by the Nigerian Institute of Radiographers, a division of Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) in collaboration with Me Cure Healthcare Limited, Col. Jide Fadirepo (rtd) said there was need to train manpower in the radiography field to operate modern machines, as there are few of them in the country.
He said, “The training provides a good opportunity to churn out new radiographers with requisite job skills for the global market, and the average Nigerian today does not need to worry about travel expenses to carry out medical investigation in radiology, as local skills and equipment are available in the country,”.
He added that the training of manpower would also reduce salaries and other allowances paid to expatriate workers in foreign currency to operate this high-tech medical equipment due to the dearth of local skills.
Also speaking, the Head, RRBN, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr. Unaegbunam Chuma, said the collaboration was to equip and increase the number of certified radiographers in the country, as well as to reduce quackery in the system, adding that with the increase in chronic disease, which has led to many losing their lives due to lack of manpower and equipment for diagnosis, the trained professionals would ensure it is nipped in the bud.