Inadequately trained Medical Laboratory Scientists have been identified as a significant risk to public health, particularly following the announcement by the Federal Council of Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria (FCMLST) regarding the intake of applicants with degrees or equivalent qualifications in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physiology, and other biomedical sciences for a two-year program to become Medical Laboratory Scientists.
This issue was highlighted by Dr Uche Odionyenma, the National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), during the 60th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abia State on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The conference, themed “Current Innovations and Challenges in Medical Laboratory Services: Navigating Global, Regional, and Local Health Care Realities,” took place at the Murphy Mansion near the War Museum in Umuahia.
Dr Odionyenma strongly asserted that reviving the Graduate Internship Programme would be unjustified and could result in unemployment and the underutilization of qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists. He called for the upgrade of the FCMLST to the National Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (NPCMLS) and emphasized the need for accreditation and improvement within medical laboratory services.
While expressing appreciation for the Nigerian Ministry of Health and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, he advocated for the resumption of inspections and monitoring of medical laboratories in the country, as well as the empowerment of the Advisory Committee on External Quality Assessment.
The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Dennis Edo Agbonlahor, who previously served as the President of the Association for eight years and as Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Ali University, praised the members of the association. He encouraged them to be thankful that the 60th anniversary celebration is taking place in Abia State.
“Today, we strive to transition from the Bachelor of Medical Science (BMS) to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS). We have the power to persuade the House of Representatives to adopt the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS). Our 60th year of existence is worth celebrating,” he stated.
He expressed discontent over the leadership disputes and urged medical scientists to refrain from exacerbating the crisis with their various writings, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved amid ongoing conflicts. He encouraged everyone to pray and believe in divine intervention.
“What has transpired over the past five months has been disheartening. The leadership tussle and court cases have adversely impacted the association’s image. It is unthinkable, given our founders, to witness this situation dragging us backwards, which is completely unacceptable. We have tirelessly worked to ensure excellence within our laboratories and conduct research. Some of us have lost sleep over the decisions made by the younger generation. Although we trained them, we never anticipated such behaviour. However, they will ultimately distance themselves from this profession. Our field has evolved to a point where we can no longer tolerate such attitudes. I have practised as a Medical Laboratory Scientist for over 40 years, and I hope for a change of heart among them.”
In his keynote address, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the Vice-Chancellor of the Michael Okwara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), commended the association’s members for the significant event and addressed the current challenges facing the profession, including artificial intelligence, inadequate infrastructure, outdated equipment, and personnel shortages. He called on the government to implement measures to prevent brain drain.
Professor L.N. Chigbu, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), remarked that the event is historic and strategic, occurring at a time when the national body is facing challenges. He recognized the successful execution of the event, crediting the timely intervention of Governor Alex Otti for ensuring the conference was held in Abia State.
“We applaud AMSLN members who have challenged the status quo and ensured that the rule of law is upheld. Policymakers have a responsibility to elevate the profession, especially given the current disease burden in the country,” he stated.
He also commended the members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for their dedication to making the AMSLN event a success in Abia State, particularly acknowledging the national president, Dr. Uche C. Odionyenma.
A highlight of the event was the award presented to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, honouring him as the Golden Voice of Abia State.
Notable attendees include the Abia State Governor Alex Otti (represented by Dr Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health), Dr Mrs Princess Orie Aguomoh (representing the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche), Hon. Emmanuel Eke (representing Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu), Pastor Mrs Blessing Nwagboso (representing Chief Mrs Adunni Udu), Chairman of the Abia State Branch of AMLSN Sir Ifeanyichukwu Anene, NOC Chairman Prof. Humphrey Afam Nwobodo, Pastor Okey Ihemanma, as well as other members of the association.
