The radiologist and health care in West Africa--new perspectives

In a brief survey of the history of modern radiology, Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in November, 1895 demonstrates the qualities of a research scientist, as well as the application of products of research to solving human problems. The modern Radiologist as a diagnostician and therapist, armed with modern tools, is a versatile member of the medical team. At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, close collaboration between the gastroenterologist and the radiologist resulted in an improvement in the accuracy of diagnosis of upper gastro-intestinal disease from 66% to 95% in 300 patients who were subjected to both fluoroscopy and endoscopy. The practice, and training programme for radiology in West Africa should reflect the scarce human and natural resources of West Africa, as well as the peculiar problems of the region, within the context of the acceptable pattern of health care delivery. Hazards of excessive radiation, both within the rank of the profession, and more so among patients undergoing sometimes unnecessary X-ray investigations, demand urgent attention.