Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge has said that the hospital recently acquired a N10 million radiation machine for cancer treatment.
Alonge while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria said the Cobalt 60 radiation machine would be delivered to the hospital before the end of November.
The machine was purchased from Panacea Biotec Company of India, and would be ferried to Nigeria within the next few weeks.
Alonge said “Panacea is one of the three largest biotech companies in India, involved in research, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical formations, vaccines and natural products.
“What we are saying in essence is that we took our time to investigate before purchasing and we believe the best machine that will effectively cater to the needs that it is intended for, is the Co-60.
“Cancer patients needing radiotherapy for treatment can now heave a sigh of relief when this machine is delivered.
“The company is responsible for installation of the machine, and radiotherapy technicians, maintenance engineers and mould room technicians, will all be trained in the management of this equipment.’’
Dr Omolola Atalabi, also decried the lack of radiologists in the country, he said Nigeria has only 500 radiologists to cater for its over 160 million population.
Atalabi said apart from inadequate manpower, equipments and methods needed to be improved upon.