By Esther Onyegbula

The Country Director/Head of Operations, InstantRad Nigeria, Bayode Oke Thomas, has revealed that Nigeria’s radiology sector is under significant strain due to a severe shortage of professionals.

He disclosed this at the inaugural Radiologist Awards Ceremony held recently in Lagos to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of radiologists in advancing healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.

According to Bayode, “With only 250 radiologists serving a population of over 200 million, the ratio of one radiologist per million people leaves large portions of the population underserved. The need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between diagnostic services and qualified radiologists has never been more pressing. Teleradiology offers a transformative solution by enabling hospitals and diagnostic centers to transmit diagnostic images to radiologists in different locations for expert interpretation. This approach eliminates geographical barriers that often limit access to radiology services, especially in remote and underserved areas.”

Speaking on the award ceremony, Bayode said: “The event, according to the organizers, is not only to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our radiologists but also to recognize the profound impact they have on patient care and the healthcare community as a whole.”

On how InstantRad’s technology is impacting the activities of radiologists, he said, “We have been able to create a great technology platform that allows radiologists to access more patients and reach more centers from the comfort of their homes. This partnership provides an opportunity for them to leverage technology to impact more lives positively.”

“This partnership has been long overdue. Today, we celebrate the radiologists—those who work behind the scenes, often unnoticed. We brought them to the limelight to honor their incredible contributions. This marks a new chapter in ensuring access to quality healthcare through technology,” Bayode added.

On the impact of new technology on radiology practitioners, Bayode explained, “Radiology is heavily reliant on technology. Everything we do involves advanced machinery and techniques. Radiographers acquire the images, but radiologists analyze and interpret them. These images are meaningless until radiologists provide their insights for doctors to make informed treatment decisions.”

“With modern technology, radiologists no longer need to visit diagnostic centers physically. They can now work remotely, handling images from multiple centers in a single day. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces risks associated with constant travel. For example, while trying to attend to patients, a radiologist could become a casualty due to road accidents. Technology eliminates this risk by enabling them to work from the comfort of their homes.”

“Even with the challenges of data privacy, we are compliant with HIPAA in the U.S. and NDPR in Nigeria to ensure the secure management of patient data. Technology is empowering radiologists, making them more efficient and productive,” he emphasized.

In his keynote speech, the President of the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria, Prof. Olalekan Oyinloye, stated, “Radiology is the central pillar of modern medicine. Radiologists are not just interpreters of images; they are detectives, uncovering mysteries of the human body and providing critical insights that guide treatment decisions. They make substance out of shadows.”

“Radiology has evolved over the years, developing many sub-specialties, including interventional radiology, which is advancing treatment options for patients,” Prof. Oyinloye explained.

The event, sponsored by InstantRad, a leading telemedical company, was commended for its commitment to empowering healthcare providers with reliable platforms for quality diagnostics.

“This is truly commendable. InstantRad’s dedication to enabling healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional patient care aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of radiology. By offering a dependable telemedical platform, they are enhancing the diagnostic process and improving patient outcomes. Their support for this event underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the hard work of our medical professionals,” he added.

Esther Uko, the Growth and Partnerships Manager for InstantRad Africa, said, “We are here to recognize the contributions of radiologists in Nigeria. They have played a vital role in diagnosis and treatment, even though they are often overlooked. Today, we sing the praises of our unsung heroes. This event, in partnership with the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria, is a testament to their invaluable contributions.”

“I’m not a radiologist, but one helped save my mom’s life. I deeply value their role in patient care,” she shared.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding practitioners in the sector.

Dr. Hammed Ninalowo won Best Radiologist of the Year, a category recognizing exceptional dedication and expertise in the field. Prof. Donald Nzeh received the Most Outstanding Educator in Radiology award for significant contributions to education and training.

Other winners included:
Prof. Philip Ibinaiye and Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, awarded as Pioneer Editor-in-Chief of ARIN Journal (Tropical Journal of Radiology in Tropics) and for Outstanding Leadership in Radiology, respectively.
Also Plateau State won Best Performing ARIN Local State Chapter.