International Day of Radiology is an annual event introduced in 2012, as a joint initiative, with the aim of promoting the role of medical imaging in modern healthcare.

Correspondent Emmanuel Okonkwo observed that the event which is celebrated on November 8, every year, coincides with the anniversary of the discovering of x-rays.

The 2018 International day of Radiology, would be observed by more than one hundred and twenty-eight medical societies in sixty-eight countries around the globe. The series of activities are aimed at creating greater awareness of the value that radiology research, diagnosis and treatment contribute to safe patient care, and better understanding of the vital role radiologists perform in healthcare delivery.

As Nigerians join the world in commemorating the day, the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria (ARIN) would today organize symposium, practical demonstrations on Cardiac Imaging, and health talks for patients in health facilities throughout the country.

Speaking on the celebration, a consultant Radiologist, and the Head of Radiology department of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, Dr. Samuel Udobi described Radiology as the future and the main part of medicine because of its critical and inevitable role in medicinal sector, as regards detection of diseases for proper treatment.

He stated that through Radiology, images like X-rays, Ultra sound, among others are made available through which the normality or the abnormality health status of patients are discovered which he explained helps the health practitioners to know how best to administer treatment.

Dr. Udobi said that early diagnosis prevents complications and helps in reducing the mobility and mortality of infectious diseases.

The Consultant Radiologist frowned at the manner of some people who wait till their illnesses get to critical stage before consulting medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment, stressing that prevention is better than cure.

On his part, another Consultant Radiologist at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka, Dr. Emeka Emedike who re-emphasised on the necessity of radiology in the health sector, called on government at all levels to provide more standard equipment in Radiology Department of public hospitals in the country.

This year’s International day of Radiology has its theme as ”Cardiac Imaging: Important Role of Radiologist in Cardiac Care, recognizing the role of imaging in the detection, diagnosis, management and treatment of a wide variety of heart diseases”.