By Chigozie Uzosike
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the National Health Act 2014 to address health challenges across the country and combat quackery in the profession.
The National President of AMLSN, Dr Uche Odionyenma, made the call during a press conference in Owerri to commemorate the International Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Day, observed every 15 April.
Speaking on the AMLSN Day and the global two-year theme for 2025 and 2026, titled “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics Definitions”, Odionyenma emphasised that the International BLS Day is promoted by the IFBLS to celebrate the crucial role of biomedical laboratory scientists in early disease detection, accurate diagnosis, treatment monitoring, disease surveillance, and prevention. “It gives our profession a day to promote and celebrate ourselves, as well as to raise awareness of the vital role biomedical laboratory scientists play in healthcare delivery,” he said.
“Every April, AMLSN joins its counterparts across the globe to celebrate the innovative efforts of BLS professionals implementing sustainable practices that enhance diagnostics and reduce waste, as we continue to make a profound impact on global health and the environment.”
“In celebrating this year’s BLS Day, it is important to reiterate that Medical Laboratory Science, as a distinct profession, is mandated to apply scientific experimentation, observation, and interpretation to ensure diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy for medical practitioners.”
READ MORE: FG declares Friday, Monday as Easter holidays
Odionyenma stressed that the Nigeria Laboratory Scientists Association is the professional body representing medical laboratory scientists in the country and therefore called for the liberalisation of leadership and restructuring within the Federal Ministry of Health to allow the appointment of credible, professionally unbiased, and experienced health administrators who will create an enabling environment and provide resources for quality healthcare delivery at all levels.
The AMLSN President also expressed hope for positive reforms in the health sector, calling on the Federal Government to provide equal opportunities to all health professionals, promote justice and fairness, ensure career progression, and uphold professional autonomy to enable every profession to contribute optimally to healthcare delivery.
He also urged the government to “Ensure full implementation of the approved Scheme of Service for Medical Laboratory Personnel at all tiers of government” and to “ensure adequate funding of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to expand access to healthcare and ensure improved universal health coverage attainment.”
He further asked the government to “Increase budgetary allocation to the health sector and adequate funding of medical laboratory services to make tests affordable, reliable and accessible to the masses and inadequate regulation of IVDs to public health” among other needs.
“In promoting sustainability in clinical diagnostics, the needed ingredients are sustainable testing, sustainable procurement, efficient use of resources, and engagement of adequate, qualified manpower, among others,” Odionyenma concluded.
