Despite the N502.3billion spent on Covid-19 intervention by the Federal Government, much of the funds has not reflected in building capacity and upgrading in Radiological services across the country.
The Chairman, Association of Radiologists in Nigeria, ARIN, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Dr. Wellington Ohikhokhai stated this on Thursday during the 4th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference and 58th Association of Radiologists in West Africa, ARAWA in Abuja.
Ohikhokhai who lamented the awkward position of Radiology during the Covid-19 intervention said the association must take up the challenge of leading the world out of Covid-19 pandemic.
“As it were the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been reported to have spent about N502.3billion on Covid-19 intervention, but not much of that has reflected in building capacity and upgrading in Radiology services across the country.
“Societies, groups and associations that are guilding the various medical specialties like ARIN ought to use this opportunity to take up the challenge of leading the world out of this medical quagmire rather than sitting back and allowing merchants to take the lead.”
Explaining the importance of Radiology in tackling Covid-19, he said “the level of development of health care in any system can easily be measured by the level of Radiological infrastructural development in that system.”
He further appealed to the Chairman of the occasion; Chief Medical Director, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Prof. Ahmed Umdagas Hamidu to immediately commence Diplomas and Certificate training in ultrasound so as to avoid shortage of staff in Radiology and proliferation of quacks.
“Within the medical profession, it is not the easiest of times. We are again faced with another wave of brain-drain which is not only fuelled by the desire for better remunerations and better condition and environment of practice but also by the astronomical rise in insecurity across the land which has not respected the nobility of medical practitioners in anyway.
“Unless we do something differently, we may soon be faced with an extremely acute shortage of staff in Radiology. And because nature abhors vacuum, the proliferation of quality is will emerge. For and many other reasons, we will suggest and appeal to our Chairman to consider an immediate commencement of Diplomas and Certificate training in ultrasound for a start,” he said.
