Former Minister of Information, Retrd General Ike Nwachukwu has called on the federal government to address the chronic neglect of Radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services in Nigeria.
He made the remark in Lagos at that the annual conference of the Association of the Radiographers of Nigeria themed: “Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine: Prospects and Challenges in Nigeria.
General Nwachukwu who is represented by Mr. Chioma Abara said;
“The ARN annual conference has grown over the years to become an epicenter of intellectual and professional hub where the growth of Radiotherapy profession is shared and remodelled.
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“The provision of Radioiotherapy and nuclear medicine services in Nigeria is sub optimal. Not more than ten centres offer the services here in Nigeria, out of which 2 are privately owned. Nuclear medicine practice is worst, with less than 5 centers in Nigeria.
Also, Severe dearth of manpower exist. In the midst of this scenario, the evidence of cancer is on the rise with high morbidity.
“The conference therefore provides a viable forum to chart way forward to the development and nurture of the special aspect of Radiotherapy practice in Nigeria.
General Nwachukwu also challenged the practitioner saying; “As radiographers, you are therefore called upon to formulate implementable programmes for government adoption in this all important field. Federal and state government are consequently called upon to address the chronic neglect of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services in Nigeria.”
According to him, this will save many lives, reduce medical tourism abroad.
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