A survey of x-ray diagnostic services in Delta State, Nigeria (1991-1994)

A survey was conducted of x-ray radiological services in Delta State, Nigeria. Information was gathered through questionnaires and interviews from hospitals and clinics as well as from the State Ministry of Health. The data obtained were analysed. Results show that as of 1994 there were 17 x-ray machines installed at 14 different locations within seven local government areas of the state. Results also show that approximately 1% of the population of this state underwent an x-ray examination of one form or another. These two findings suggest that the bulk of the population in the state have no access to x-ray diagnostic services. Thirty five kinds of radiological examination were identified to comprise most of the examinations given. Results also show that the background radiation for different x-ray centres was greater than the background radiation for the environment outside the centres. This value, however, was found to be lowerthan the limitrecommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The exposure dose of x-rays to patients was also investigated, and results show that only eight of the centres have a dose chart for the different examinations. This implies that many patients must have being facing the risk of an overdose of x-rays from the other six centres. A regulatory or supervisory body for medical radiation is proposed to regulate and monitor x-ray services and other radiation sources in Delta State.