By Comfort Onaiwu
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine is a diagnostic machine lacked by federal and state owned teaching hospitals in Southwest Nigeria. Patients with chronic diseases are finding it difficult to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
In an investigation carried out by PUNCH Healthwise, it was revealed that only the Lagos University Teaching Hospital currently runs a functional MRI machine, out of the eight state and federal teaching hospitals in the region. Many patients are restricted to limited options for important medical investigation.
It was also discovered that the Lagos State University MRI machine, despite being located within a government establishment is being managed by a private company, not the government.
MRI scans are used to provide detailed images of the internal structures of the body. They are essential for detecting issues that might not be seen through other imaging methods, such as spinal cord abnormalities, soft tissue injuries, or brain conditions.
It was discovered by PUNCH healthwise that UCH (University College Hospital), Ibadan which is meant to be one of the primary teaching hospitals, does not have a functioning MRI scene.
The lack of the MRI machine in the Southwest region of Nigeria remains a major public health concern. Without urgent intervention, the health and well-being of patients will continue to be compromised.