Lab Scientists Call For National Health Act Implementation … say Improved Health Sector, Key to Life

ThankGod EMEH

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN has called on the federal government of Nigeria to ensure the full implementation of the National Health Act 2014 to address all identified health challenges across the country adding that the Act when implemented will reduce the bane and hazards of quackery as the proliferation of health training institutions has done more harm in society.

The National President of AMLSN, Dr. Uche Odionyenma made the call in a press briefing held at Imo NUJ Press Centre on April 15, 2025 to commemorate the International Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Day marked every 15th April.

Marking the AMLSN Day with the worldwide 2-year theme for 2025 & 2026 tagged “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics Definitions”, Dr. Odionyenma emphasized that the International BLS Day is promoted by IFBLS to celebrate the pivotal role of biomedical laboratory scientists in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of diseases, monitoring of treatment, disease surveillance and prevention.

“It gives our profession a day to promote and celebrate ourselves as a profession as well as increased awareness of the role that biomedical laboratory scientists have in providing health care”

“Today April 15,  April 2025, AMLSN joins her counterparts worldwide to celebrate the innovative efforts of BLS professionals worldwide implementing sustainable practices that improve 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 the fact that Medical Laboratory Science as a distinct profession is endowed with the mandate of applying the methods of scientific experimentation, observation and interpretation for diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy by the medical practitioner’

Dr. Odionyenma stressed that the Nigeria Lab Scientists Association is the professional body of medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria hence the need to “liberalize the headship and restructuring of Federal Ministry of Health with a view to appointing credible, professionally-unbiased, experienced health administrators or professionals that will give enabling environment and resources for optimal discharge of quality healthcare at all levels in Nigeria”

The AMLSN President noted that the Association looks forward to positive changes in the health sector while calling on the federal government to “give equal opportunities to  all health professionals in the sector with justice, fairness and career progression including professional autonomy that will motivate every profession to contribute its best in the health sector”

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”.

The Association further asked the government to “increase budgetary allocation to the health sector and adequate funding of medical laboratory services with a view to making 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.”