Experts in radiography and healthcare research have called for stronger patient-safety measures, improved diagnostic services and compassionate care to enhance healthcare delivery.
They made the call on Sunday in Lagos at the 2026 World Radiography Day celebration, organised by the Lagos State Branch of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), under the theme “Upholding Patient Care”.
World Radiography Day is marked annually on Nov. 8 to commemorate the discovery of X-rays and recognise radiography professionals’ contributions to healthcare.
Mr Unyime Essiet, a radiotherapist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Mediserve Cancer Centre, stressed the importance of accurate diagnostic imaging in determining appropriate treatment.
Essiet, a guest speaker, said radiographers and radiotherapists must prioritise patient safety by properly verifying diagnostic reports, treatment plans, radiation doses and patients’ identities.
“Patient safety is not the responsibility of a single professional. It is multidisciplinary teamwork,” he said.
In her keynote address, Dr Nneka Onyejepu, a clinical researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), said patient care must extend beyond technical competence to include empathy, dignity and effective communication.
Onyejepu noted that diagnostic procedures could be moments of anxiety, uncertainty and hope for patients, requiring healthcare professionals to show compassion.
“Behind every image is a person, and behind that image is also a human story,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of quality assurance, equipment calibration, staff training and standardised procedures in reducing errors and improving patient outcomes.
Onyejepu also urged radiographers to embrace technological innovations, research and continuous professional development. She said artificial intelligence could support healthcare delivery but could not replace human compassion.
Mrs Chiamaka Kupoluyi, chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, identified shortages of skilled personnel, professional migration, ageing equipment and weak enforcement of safety standards as challenges facing radiography.
She urged employers, regulators and policymakers to address the challenges, stressing the importance of unity and advocacy in strengthening the profession.
“These challenges are not reasons for despair. They are reasons for unity, advocacy and action,” she said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, ARN Lagos Branch Chairperson Mrs Mary Olayinka called for stronger representation of radiographers in healthcare policymaking and regulatory decisions, particularly those affecting diagnostic imaging and professional practice.
Olayinka advocated including more independent diagnostic centres and radiographer-owned facilities in the Lagos State Ilera-Eko Health Insurance Scheme to expand access to quality diagnostic services.
She also urged stakeholders to strengthen radiography education, postgraduate training, research and professional development to equip practitioners to meet emerging healthcare needs.
The event featured goodwill messages from organisations including the Lagos State Government, the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, the Guild of Laboratory Directors of Nigeria and the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria, among others.
