THE 49TH ANNUAL ARN CONFERENCE & SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP AT ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE.
THEME: EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURISTIC PRACTICES, ISSUES OF CONCERN FOR RADIOGRAPHY PRACTICE IN NIGERIA.
The conference offered the best of its opportunity through the scientific workshop to improve our knowledge and skill for the benefit of humanity. It had been an opportunity for radiographers to gather and discussion various aspects of radiographic practice in Nigeria.
The ceremony of the 49th Annual Association of radiographers of Nigeria conference and scientific workshops was held in Abakaliki ‘the salt city’ between the 21st– 25th of November, 2017 which was the first ever Ebonyi State hosted out of 40 series of its kind. The local organization country chairman; Dr. Emerson Otu, State chairman ARN; Mr. Kelechi Chima and the chairman of the occasion; Mr. E. P. Akpan welcomed Radiographers and all participants for coming despite our individual commitments.
The Governor of the State Chief David Umahi ably represented by his Commissioner for Health Dr. Daniel Umezurike thanked the Association for hosting the conference in Ebonyi State and established that the cordial relationship between the State Government and Abakaliki Teaching Hospital has been fruitful while acknowledging the role of Radiographers in the health sector.
The president of the Association Mrs. Elizabeth Balogun used the opportunity to enjoin the State Government to award educational scholarships to indigenes of the State who are interested in the study of medical radiography. She also called on the Government of Ebonyi State to match the aggressive program of medical radiographic equipment acquisition with a commensurate employment of the much needed radiographers to complement the delivery of service. The president also presented her admonition to the Federal Government to improve policies on procurement where the end users (radiographers) have greater impact into how this equipment is acquired.
Most participants bore their minds on the conference as it helps in advanced knowledge in technology, research, benefits, challenges and the way forward in radiography and emerging Technology practices.
Radiography practice has grown from the routine chest and bone x-ray to more complex procedures of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, position emission tomography and nuclear medicine; thus contributing immensely to health care delivery as the fastest form of diagnosis.
By Henry Elugwu
