FG orders RRBN to digitize operations in new crackdown on charlatanism

FG orders RRBN to digitize operations in new crackdown on charlatanism

The Federal Government of Nigeria has tasked Dr Idris Garba, the newly appointed Registrar of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), to digitize the profession and stamp out quackery.

The Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the directive in his speech while presenting a letter of appointment to Dr. Idris Garba in Abuja, as the new Chancellor of the Council,

Salako insisted that the digitization of the profession is crucial considering its critical role in healthcare delivery, stressing that the initiative will provide simple means to identify radiographers practicing within and outside the country, as well as registered and unlicensed professionals.

“And your ethical conduct and how you apply the ethics of the profession are also very important. Of course, we also want you to take the issue of quackery very seriously. And make sure you use many of your sources to eliminate quackery from radiographic practice in the country.” He reiterated.

Commenting on the rigorous and transparent process that led to the emergence of Dr Idris Garba as the new Chancellor, the Minister commended the members of the team that conducted the exercise and urged the Chancellor to use his wealth of experience to grow the healthcare sector in general and the Council in particular.

“And under your position, the profession will grow and you will contribute your potential to the growth of the healthcare industry as a whole.” Dr. Salako expressed hope.

He further advised him to continue the good work of his predecessor and ensure a harmonious working relationship between the professionals and their association. He noted that the Council has faced criticism in the past, warning that the Government does not want anything that would turn the Council’s hands back.

In response, the new Registrar, Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr. Idris Garba, Bayero Kano University, expressed happiness and promised to maintain the good work led by the immediate past Chancellor and govern with an open door policy to ensure that day-to-day activities in the board are well articulated, adding that he is fully committed to the work and will bring everyone on board.

He said his intention is to strengthen the institution by digitizing the profession, ensuring that all centers operating with technological equipment have adequate staff managing the places.

“And with a simple click of the mouse, you can track every activity that takes place within the country and beyond. So, I will make sure to strengthen the institution, including the regional offices, to make sure that everyone is doing their job so that we can move the profession forward. In terms of quackery, yes, I am very aware that it is a big problem.”

He further said, “As I mentioned again during the interaction, the first is to have a database. When you have the data, then, of course, you can be able to track and manage the problem well. So, my first task is to work with the database available in the system. If none exists, of course, we will create one to ensure that we know all the radiographers practicing in the country. Also, all the centers now operate with technological equipment to ensure that they have adequate staff managing both the places. And of course, we ensure that we operate only in both places with current practice and lessons.

According to Dr Garba, his priority is to bring together the regulatory body and the association to promote and achieve the common goal of the profession, promising to do everything possible within the powers of the law to ensure that only qualified and licensed personnel operate in our country.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Adeola Adegoke mni, expressed appreciation to the Honorable Minister, for scrupulously following the process, his visionary and transformative leadership style, as well as commitment and dedication to ensuring that things are done the right way.