The Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) has revealed that its members are leaving the nation for higher alternatives because of the mind drain syndrome. Out of 4,632 radiographers registered in 2024, solely 2,810 had their yearly licence.
RRBN Registrar and Chief Government Officer, Prof Mark Okeji, who disclosed this when the Minister of State for Well being and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, visited the board’s workplace in Abuja, stated the board had doubled its quota to universities to steadiness the nation’s manpower wants.
Okeji famous that the board has additionally inspired the institution of extra B.Sc. programmes in Nigerian universities, including that 40 establishments have began providing radiography from the preliminary 9 universities.
He noticed that the board oversees the skilled coaching of radiographers in all the colleges and ensures that they adjust to the minimal necessities.
The board additionally conducts accreditations {and professional} examinations in universities and the identical actions are carried out in faculties/schools of well being the place technicians, who kind the middle-level manpower, are skilled.
He stated: “The board conducts postgraduate coaching and awards certificates and diplomas in several specialities and subspecialties of radiography, resembling Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Radiation Remedy and Echocardiography.
“These programs are taught by consultants from inside and out of doors the nation and our certificates are acceptable for registration within the UK and different elements of the world. We sought and obtained a brand-new ultrasound machine value over N25 million from Mindray Medical Tools Firm, China, to boost our coaching. We additionally obtained funding previously to cowl tuition for the coaching of radiation therapists.”
Okeji noticed that the board, underneath his management, developed the indexing portal to make sure that universities adhere to the assigned quota, and opened a portal for on-line coaching for some programs.
Nevertheless, Okeji acknowledged that the board faces challenges resembling insufficient workplace lodging, inadequate monitoring and enforcement autos, and restricted exercise funding. “The board at the moment has 4 autos for monitoring and enforcement actions, which is grossly insufficient for the protection of the whole nation.
“We want a rise in our appropriation to allow us to acquire extra autos to make sure strict monitoring to flush out quackery in Nigeria,” he added.
In his response, Salako urged the board to get rid of quackery from the occupation and burdened the necessity for the regulatory physique to forestall quacks from practising.
“Combating quackery in healthcare supply is likely one of the authorities’s high priorities. You have got the regulation of the nation behind you. So, I would like you to be extra progressive and forthcoming in guaranteeing that solely certified people follow radiography. Additionally, solely correctly registered services present such providers in our nation,” he stated.
Salako additionally recognised the important position of radiography in healthcare and counseled the board for its efforts in utilising digital know-how to streamline processes.
