The Association of Radiologists in Nigeria (ARIN), has drawn attention to a major challenge it currently encounters. This challenge was said to predominantly revolve around the excessively high expenses that is involved in obtaining vital medical machinery owing to foreign exchange rates. During a celebratory dinner and award ceremony that was held in Abuja, Professor Olalekan Oyinloye, who was recently elected as the National President of the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria (ARIN), voiced his apprehensions.
His remarks were made at the event that marked the end of the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the 60th AGM of the Association of Radiologists in West Africa (ARAWA). The issue of exchange rate, especially the devaluation of the Naira against the dollar, has been emphasized by Professor Oyinloye, who also holds the position of a Consultant Radiologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). He further noted the effects of these challenges.
Call for provision of a stable power supply by ARIN.
He highlighted the significant obstacle that the devaluation of the Naira against the US dollar poses in the acquisition of essential equipment, thereby increasing the already existing difficulty. He specifically pointed out the unaffordable price tag of $6 million attributed to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine as he emphasized its crucial role as a piece of equipment that the association desperately lacks funds for. He also called for the provision of a stable power supply.
Professor Oyinloye stressed the crucial importance of uninterrupted electricity for specific devices, like the MRI machine, which needs constant operation to ensure its maximum efficiency. Furthermore, aside from the exorbitant expenses associated with this requirement, it is absolutely paramount for these pieces of equipment to have continuous power supply. As he highlighted the infeasibility of power disruptions in Nigeria, he emphasized the significant requirement of an uninterrupted power provision to ensure the seamless functioning of these devices.
Proficient radiologists have left their home country.
Moreover, the phenomenon known as the “Japa syndrome” was discussed by Professor Oyinloye, who highlighted the concerning pattern of healthcare specialists emigrating from the nation in search of greener pastures. The speaker revealed that a considerable number of proficient radiologists have left their home country, causing a major hurdle for the healthcare field in Nigeria. The urgency to tackle this problem was emphasized, as the Consultant Radiologist urged the government to swiftly confront these matters.
Oyinloye implored the federal government of Nigeria to address the issue of radiologists’ emigration by ensuring access to advanced medical apparatus, better compensation, and consistent training opportunities for them. Dr. Agaja James, who has recently been elected as Vice President 1 and also assumes the role of Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AGM, shared similar feelings and voiced his worries regarding the insufficiency of medical equipment within the healthcare sector of the country.
Gov’t should offer competitive compensation to retain medical practitioners.
Additionally, Agaja spoke on the increasing number of healthcare professionals choosing to emigrate. In an urgent plea, Dr. James emphasized the need for the government to adopt bold measures aimed at establishing a conducive atmosphere, guaranteeing the accessibility of vital supplies, and offering competitive compensation in order to retain medical practitioners within the nation. The main focus of the appeal revolved around instilling a sense of love for one’s country and dedication within healthcare practitioners who have completed their education in Nigeria.
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