In a landmark collaboration to fortify Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure, Cassona Global Imaging Nigeria Ltd, in partnership with Neusoft Medical Systems, hosted a high-impact professional development symposium aimed at bridging the skills gap in the medical imaging field. The capacity-building event brought together over 70 medical imaging professionals, including radiographers, diagnostic radiologists, and medical physicists, at a day-long symposium in Abuja.

Closing the Knowledge Gap in Advanced Imaging Technologies

The training focused on the clinical operation of next-generation CT systems, particularly in the areas of dose optimization and cardiac imaging contraindications.

"The intermediate-level CT scanner performs all imaging functions except cardiac imaging," explained Samer Noureldin, Senior Clinical Applications Director at Neusoft. "We also offer advanced devices with diverse applications that enhance diagnostic accuracy and support radiologists and radiographers in delivering timely, high-quality care."

Confronting Africa's Medical Technology Disparity

Nketiah Suphianu, Sales Manager at Cassona Global Imaging, highlighted the pressing need for improved access to diagnostic tools across Nigeria:

"This free workshop is part of our commitment to empowering healthcare professionals. We've also introduced a 24-month flexible payment plan to make medical imaging equipment more affordable for health institutions, ultimately benefiting the wider population."

Regulatory Insight: Curbing Unlicensed Practices

Professor Onwuegbuufu Ebere Obinna, Director of Radiographer Licensing at the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), emphasized the dangers of non-certified imaging practices:

"We must ensure that only properly trained, registered, and licensed professionals operate medical imaging devices. Unqualified operators expose patients to unnecessary harm, especially in the use of radiant energy for diagnosis."

Capacity Building to Combat Brain Drain

Dr. Isaac Pada, Chief Medical Physicist at National Hospital Abuja, addressed the critical shortage of certified professionals in the sector:

"This initiative is crucial. It helps practitioners stay current with cutting-edge imaging technologies. With fewer than 120 certified clinical medical physicists nationwide and increasing cases of emigration under the 'Jakpa syndrome,' programs like these are essential for workforce retention."

Supporting Young Professionals and Institutional Engagement

Cassona extended the program's reach by offering internet data support to students from Bingham University and Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) in Nasarawa State, enabling remote participation and fostering early-career development in radiology.

Advancing National Diagnostic Standards

The Cassona–Neusoft collaboration is part of a broader mission to elevate Nigeria's diagnostic capabilities to global standards. By tackling the systemic issues behind the nation's 72% rate of delayed or inaccurate imaging diagnoses (2024 National Health Statistics Bulletin), this initiative represents a strategic leap toward sustainable, technology-driven healthcare delivery.