Primary healthcare providers and medical experts in Osun State, Nigeria, have emphasized the importance of thorough diagnostic investigations before treating patients. This call was made at the third biennial conference for primary healthcare providers and tradomedical birth attendants in the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency, organized by medical radiographer/sonographer Adeyemi Adeniji. The conference, which began in 2021, aims to enhance participants’ capacity by exposing them to current trends and developments in medical practice.
Over 200 participants—including traditional birth attendants, primary healthcare providers, nurses, and medical doctors—attended the event in Ikire, Osun State. Adeniji reported that the program has significantly impacted attendees and noted that he has established a diagnostic centre in Ikire to provide quality diagnostic services to the community. He also lamented the prevalence of quackery in the profession and stressed the need for health workers to understand their job limitations and scope of practice.
Dr. Samuel Obasade, a resource person at the conference, highlighted the central role of diagnostic investigations in healthcare. He explained that most treatment plans are determined by investigative results, underscoring that such investigations are a crucial component of modern medicine. Obasade called for proper legislation and enforcement of laws to eradicate quackery in medical practice.
Quackery and the lack of refresher training for health workers remain persistent problems in Nigeria, but efforts are underway to address these challenges. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency recently announced plans to train 120,000 frontline health workers in integrated service delivery this year, a move expected to improve healthcare service delivery nationwide.
Both the conference and the planned training program underscore the need for continued education and training for healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped to deliver quality services. Emphasizing diagnostic investigations and establishing diagnostic centres are critical steps toward improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with quackery and inadequate healthcare services, initiatives like these are essential for enhancing the capacity of providers and promoting quality healthcare delivery.
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