The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has called on governments at all levels to increase funding for the Basic Healthcare Provisions Fund to expand access to quality and effective healthcare delivery.
This, the association emphasized, would significantly improve universal health coverage and ensure the well-being of Nigerians in all facets of society.
Speaking during a press briefing to mark the World Biomedical Laboratory Science Day at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Owerri, the National President of AMLSN, Dr. Uche Odionyenma, stressed the urgent need for government intervention in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Odionyenma highlighted that adequate funding of the health sector would enhance the nation’s healthcare system, enabling citizens to access medication easily and live healthier lives.
He noted that good health is intrinsically linked to wealth, as a healthy population is better positioned to contribute to national peace, security, and development.
He urged the Federal Government to take the health of Nigerians seriously by making substantial investments in the healthcare sector, particularly in medical laboratory services.
The AMLSN also expressed concern over the rising inflation in the country, which has aggravated economic hardship and insecurity.
The association called on the Federal Government to address the situation urgently by reducing inflation to a single digit.
Dr. Odionyenma described the current economic conditions as “excruciating” and stressed the need for decisive action to ease the burden on Nigerians.
He argued that stabilizing the economy and improving healthcare funding are critical to the nation’s progress.
Dr. Odionyenma outlined several recommendations for the government to consider in improving the healthcare sector.
These include ensuring the full implementation of the approved Scheme of Service for Medical Laboratory Personnel at all tiers of government, as well as increasing budgetary allocation to the health sector.
He also called for adequate funding of medical laboratory services to make tests affordable, reliable, and accessible to the masses.
Such steps, he argued, would significantly enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
The AMLSN emphasized the importance of fully implementing the National Health Act 2014 to ensure that all citizens benefit from its provisions.
The association urged the government to tackle the hazards posed by quackery in the healthcare sector and to regulate the proliferation of health training institutions.
According to Dr. Odionyenma, inadequate regulation of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) poses a significant risk to public health and requires immediate attention.
A critical area highlighted by the AMLSN was the urgent need for the constitution and inauguration of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Governing Board.
Dr. Odionyenma noted that this board is essential for maintaining professional standards and ensuring effective regulation of the medical laboratory science profession.
He also called for the liberalization of leadership roles in the Federal Ministry of Health to allow for the appointment of credible and unbiased health administrators.
The association further urged the government to prioritize professional autonomy and career progression within the healthcare sector.
Dr. Odionyenma noted that treating all health professionals with fairness and justice would motivate them to contribute their best to the healthcare system.
He emphasized that a collaborative and inclusive approach is necessary to achieve optimal healthcare delivery in the country.
The AMLSN also stressed the need to regulate medical laboratory science practices to reduce quackery and enhance the quality of healthcare services.
Dr. Odionyenma explained that addressing this issue is crucial for promoting good health and ensuring the reliability of diagnostic services. He outlined key elements required for sustainable practices in clinical diagnostics, including sustainable testing, efficient use of resources, and the engagement of qualified personnel.
This year’s commemoration of the World Biomedical Laboratory Science Day, Dr. Odionyenma noted, carries special significance as it presents a two-year theme selected by the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) Board of Directors.
The theme, according to him, underscores the vital role biomedical laboratory scientists play in advancing clinical healthcare while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
Dr. Odionyenma pointed out that enhancing the practice of biomedical laboratory science has the potential to positively influence and transform healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the profession’s contributions could significantly strengthen the nation’s healthcare system, ensuring better outcomes for patients and the public.
The AMLSN also emphasized the need for the government to create an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to thrive. This includes providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to support optimal service delivery.
Dr. Odionyenma argued that investing in healthcare not only improves the quality of life for citizens but also promotes economic growth by creating a healthier and more productive population.
Dr. Odionyenma reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for sustainable healthcare practices and pushing for reforms that would make healthcare more affordable, reliable, and accessible to all Nigerians. He called on the government to prioritize healthcare funding, address inflation, and implement policies that would ensure a robust and equitable healthcare system.
By taking these steps, he argued, the government would not only improve the health of Nigerians but also contribute to the nation’s overall development and stability.