Computed Tomography Scanner Distribution and Downtimes in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: It is clearly known and documented that the first computed tomography (CT) scanner was installed in
1987 at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Southwest-Nigeria. Ironically, it is neither clearly
documented how many more scanners have been installed after then, nor about their functionality.
Objective: To establish the actual number and functionality of CT scanners in the Southeast geopolitical zone of
Nigeria.
Methodology: The survey was undertaken from March – June, 2016. Radiographers across different tertiary hospitals
in southeast (SE) Nigeria, were requested through phone calls to ascertain the number of CT scanners in their
respective states of residence. Their feedback was crosschecked using entirely different Radiographers. Internet
searches were conducted to authenticate some information obtained. For Anambra State where all but one of the
authors worked or schooled, physical visits were made to all centres. Data elicited covered scanner specifications,
installation details, ownership, and functionality, amongst others. These were recorded in a pro forma sheet and later
collated and presented in tables.
Result: A total of 23 CT centres with 28 CT scanners were confirmed. These were distributed across the zone as
follows: Anambra; 10 (35.8 %), Imo; 6 (21.4 %), Enugu; 6 (21.4 %), Abia; 4 (14.3 %) and Ebonyi; 2 (7.1 %). Private
ownership accounted for 19 (68.0 %) of the scanners while the remaining 9 (32.0 %) were distributed between the
Federal Government (n = 5; 18.0 %), public-private partnership (n = 2; 7.0 %), and state governments (n = 2; 7.0 %),
respectively. Appropriate personnel were engaged in the facilities. Majority of the scanners were installed in the
current decade (2006 – 2016). At least 12 (43.0 %) of the scanners experienced downtime within the period of the
survey with 7 scanners having downtime ≥ 1 year.
Conclusion: There are 23 radiodiagnostic facilities with 28 CT scanners in the Southeast zone of Nigeria. Five
facilities each own two scanners. There appears to be a good distribution of CT scanners with appropriate personnel.
A high downtime rate was observed, suggesting the need for the employment of centre-based CT engineers, to ensure
that CT patients have as prompt an access as can be achieved.