The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has charged radiologists to indentify issues hindering data protection to address cases of litigations from patients against members.
The minister made the call at the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of Association of Radiologists in Nigeria (ARIN) and 60th AGM of Association of Radiologists in West Africa (ARAWA), in Abuja on Monday.
Pate, represented by Dr Jimoh-Olawale Salaudeen, stated “You are all witnesses to the increasing litigations in our practice arising from patients’ awareness of their rights and privileges.”
He further highlighted challenges like “manpower deficit, poorly regulated radiology practice in the country, and inadequate technology innovation,” and emphasizd the need to guard against “leakages of patients’ information” and deploying “appropriate and efficient technology.”
Pate stressed the importance of right diagnosis in radiology practice and the government’s commitment to producing middlemen to address manpower deficit without promoting substandard practices.
The Minister explained the ministry’s commitment to collaboration with ARIN and urged the association to propose implementable solutions to challenges.
ARIN’s National President, Prof. Sule Saidu, called on the Federal Government and stakeholders to enhance commitment to healthcare service delivery, training, and research, aiming for global best practices to reduce health tourism and conserve foreign exchange.
Saidu emphasized the need for government attention to diagnostic equipment for radiology, stating, “It is only when diagnosis is correct that proper treatment can be assured.”
Dr Agaja James, Chairman of ARIN, FCT/Local Organising Committee, expressed concerns about the decreasing number of medical practitioners in Africa and the effect it has to the entire world.
“Medical practitioners in Africa are reducing in numbers day by day because of the advancement in technology and economic problems ravaging the world”
He further called on the government to find lasting solutions to retain healthcare professionals in the sector.
