FG Pushes Digital Registry To Flush Out Quacks In Radiography
In a health sector where unqualified practitioners can put lives at risk, the Federal Government has signalled a decisive move to sanitise radiography practice in Nigeria through digital regulation and stronger professional oversight.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has tasked the newly appointed Registrar of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), Dr Idris Garba, to prioritise the digitalisation of the profession and eliminate quackery.
Dr Salako gave the charge in Abuja while presenting the letter of appointment to the new registrar, stressing that a digital system would help authorities easily identify licensed radiographers both within Nigeria and abroad, while also exposing unregistered practitioners.
According to the minister, strengthening ethical conduct and enforcing professional standards are critical to protecting patients and improving healthcare delivery.
“You must take the issue of quackery very seriously and deploy your resources to flush it out from radiographic practice in the country,” he said.
Salako also commended the panel that oversaw the selection process, describing it as rigorous and transparent, and expressed confidence that Dr Garba would leverage his experience to strengthen the board and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s health sector.
Responding, Dr Garba, a scholar from Bayero University Kano, pledged to run an open-door administration and build on the achievements of his predecessor.
He said his priority would be the creation of a comprehensive national database of radiographers and diagnostic centres to ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals operate in the country.
“With just a click, we should be able to track activities across the country and beyond. Once you have reliable data, it becomes easier to manage the profession and address problems like quackery,” he explained.
Garba also promised to strengthen collaboration between the regulatory board and professional associations to advance the profession and ensure compliance with global standards.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Adeola Adegoke, commended the minister for ensuring due process in the appointment and for his commitment to reforms in the health sector.
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