The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Lagos State Branch, has called for increased collaboration and innovation to enhance the impact of radiography practice in healthcare delivery.
Its Chairman, Mrs Mary Olayinka made the call at a lecture organised by the association in commemoration of the 2025 World Radiography Day (WRD) on Saturday in Lagos, with the theme: “Empowering Healthcare Through Imaging Excellence.”
The day is celebrated annually on Nov. 8 to mark the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays and create awareness about radiation practice.
Olayinka said the WRD theme was a reminder of the vital role radiography plays in shaping the health and well-being of humanity.
She emphasised the need to foster collaborations among the public health and private health practitioners for a remarkable development in the health system, particularly the radiography practice.
Highlighting the relevance of radiography, Olayinka said that radiography illuminates what the human eye cannot see, providing the clarity that empowers physicians, supports surgeons, and comforts patients.
She, therefore, urged healthcare practitioners, particularly Radiographers, to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism to ensure that the patient remains at the centre of everything they do.
“Let us use this celebration to reflect on how we can work together – public and private practitioners, educators and policy-makers; to build stronger collaboration that will advance radiography practice not just in Lagos State, but across Nigeria and Africa at large.
“Let us also recommit to continuous learning, research, mentorship of the younger generation of Radiographers, and to active advocacy for improved imaging standards and radiation safety policies,” she said.
A Clinical Radiographer, Dr Humphrey Ugwu, urged the healthcare practitioners to embrace digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for improved healthcare delivery.
Ugwu, who was the keynote speaker at the event, explained the importance of AI, Information Technology and digitalisation in advancing healthcare delivery.
He also urged the health practitioners, particularly the Radiographers, to continually develop their skills and be abreast with new developments in the profession.
He listed the benefits of AI to include enhanced productivity, reduction of risks, reduced costs, fast and timely delivery, increased efficiency and reduced workloads, among others.
“The world is evolving; AI and digitalisation not only improve clinical outcomes, but they also create room for efficiency”.
“So, let’s come together to leverage digitalisation for optimum growth and development of the Nigerian healthcare system,” he said.
In his remarks, a Specialist Radiographer, Dr Robert Akhigbe, described the day as a clarion call to all Radiographers to practice the profession with pride, honour, dedication and empathy for the good of humanity.
Akhigbe, who spoke on the topic: “Patient Centred Imaging: Advancing Safety, Trust and Collaborative Care”, said safety and interest of the patients should be the major priority of radiographers in the usage of radiant energies for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.
“Healthcare professionals should take the interest and safety of the patients into consideration in the course of dispensing ionising radiation,” he said.
Mr Victor Okon, a Radiation Therapist from Medserve, LUTH Cancer Centre, also delivered a presentation titled “Bridging the Cancer Care Gap: Enhancing Access, Precision, and Innovation in Radiotherapy.”
Okon highlighted the stark inequality in cancer outcomes worldwide, noting that while breast cancer survival exceeds 80% in high-income countries, it can be as low as 40% in poorer regions. He attributed this to limited access to diagnosis, treatment, and radiotherapy services.
He, therefore, called for expanded access to radiotherapy through public–private partnerships, modern infrastructure, and workforce training.
Rad. Okon also underscored the importance of innovation in cancer care, integrating artificial intelligence, digital health systems, and sustainable “green oncology” practices to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
“Every patient, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, deserves a fair chance at survival,” he concluded.
The Regional Director for Africa of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT), Mrs Elizabeth Balogun delivered a presentation titled “ISRRT – Taking the Profession into the Future: A Task for Us All.”
Balogun highlighted the vital role of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) in advancing Radiography education, research, and global collaboration since it was founded.
The event featured the presentation of awards to some personalities for their outstanding contributions to the growth of radiography and a panel session where renowned experts gave insights on how to advance radiography practice.
As part of activities to mark the 2025 World Radiography Day, the Association also conducted a Medical Outreach on Friday, 7th at Sabo Market, Yaba, Lagos State, where over 100 people benefited from free chest X-ray tuberculosis (TB) screening.
