Assessment of Electronic Instrumentation Maintenance Practices in Medical Physics Departments of Teaching Hospitals in South West Nigeria

Background: Properly maintained electronic instrumentation is foundational to accurate diagnosis and safe treatment in hospital medical physics departments. Maintenance deficiencies directly affect diagnostic reliability and patient safety. Aim: This study assessed electronic instrumentation maintenance practices in medical physics departments of teaching hospitals in South West Nigeria. Methods: A structured assessment was conducted at six teaching hospitals in Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo States. Data were collected through equipment maintenance record audits, staff interviews, and direct observation using an adapted IAEA instrumentation quality assurance checklist. Results: Preventive maintenance schedules were adhered to in only 33% of assessed equipment categories. Calibration certificates were current for 58% of instruments. Staff technical competence was rated adequate in 47% of assessed departments. Budget allocation for instrumentation maintenance was below WHO-recommended levels at five of six hospitals. Conclusion: Instrumentation maintenance standards in South West Nigerian teaching hospital medical physics departments are critically deficient. Dedicated maintenance budgets, regular equipment calibration programmes, and technical staff training are essential recommendations for patient safety improvement. Keywords: electronic instrumentation, maintenance, medical physics, teaching hospitals, South West Nigeria.