The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to re-strengthen medical laboratories to enhance diseases surveillance and response programmes in Nigeria.
Alhaji Toyosi Raheem, the National President of the association, made the appeal while briefing newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.
Raheem also advised the government to engage critical stakeholders in medical laboratory services, especially medical laboratory scientists to address health emergencies like the Monkey Pox in Nigeria.
He said that Nigeria has over 24, 000 highly experienced medical laboratory scientists who could address the various outbreaks of diseases such as haemorrhagic fevers, among others.
“It is amazing that Nigeria is taking samples of suspected monkey pox to a laboratory in Senegal for confirmation, in spite of the expertise we have in the country.
“The association will not relent in asking government why are health services like preventive, curative and restorative not quick to respond in Nigeria like other countries?
“Why is it that most of our public laboratories are no longer in existence and no attention is given to them for proper management?’’
He said that the medical laboratory scientists have the expertise, competence and experience that would help the government to contain diseases outbreaks.
The association also appealed for the reconstitution of the Medical and Laboratory Science Council and other teaching hospitals boards for effective policy and guidance to chief executive of such facilities.
Raheem urged the government to invite medical laboratory scientists and other professionals on how to address challenges facing the nation’s health sector instead of mono-professional preference for doctors. (NAN)
