A basic X-ray service for a rural community in Southwestern Nigeria 1976-1980. A preliminary report

The development of a basic X-ray service in a rural community in southwestern Nigeria is reviewed over a period of 5 years. Of the 3,278 examinations done during this period, chest X-rays constituted 56%. Most of the other examinations were requested on account of trauma of upper and lower extremities: 42 and 43%, respectively. Injuries to the elbow region constituted half of the X-rays for the upper extremities. There was an early upsurge of attendance for all X-rays reaching its peak at the first 2 years of the project, but a stable state was soon established within the subsequent 3 years. The non-chest examinations remained equally divided between the years under review. It is estimated that the introduction of the X-ray service has saved the community some 6,600 working days or 18 years in the 56-month period. This estimate excludes transportation for the accompanying relatives.