Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kazeem Biriowo
Published on 2024-04-16 15:55:20
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria has taken a significant step towards reducing the brain drain in the country, also known as the “Japa syndrome,” by inducting 317 foreign trained laboratory scientists who have passed a validation examination. Dr. Tosan Erhabor, the Registrar of the MLSCN, made this announcement during a courtesy visit by the Association of Health Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) to the MLSCN office in Abuja.
Erhabor revealed that there are currently over 45,000 qualified medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria, some of whom have been forced to seek employment abroad due to the lack of opportunities in their home country. He also pointed out that hospital administrators, especially in state-owned hospitals, tend to prefer hiring substandard personnel over qualified laboratory scientists.
The Registrar expressed concern over the issue of quackery in the country and emphasized the need for quality assurance certification to tackle this problem. The Council is in the process of implementing a quality assurance certification for all laboratory test facilities to ensure that they meet the required standards. Erhabor also mentioned plans for re-accreditation of National External Quality Assurance in Zaria and the Invitro-diagnostic Laboratory in Lagos.
To address the issue of quackery, MLSCN is set to inaugurate a 7-man committee comprised of stakeholders to recommend strategies for combating this menace. Erhabor stressed that both untrained individuals and qualified professionals can engage in quackery if they do not adhere to the stipulated guidelines. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the test results from hospital facilities meet the standard requirements.
Looking ahead, Erhabor outlined the need for collaboration between MLSCN, state Health Coordinators, and the Dean of Medical Laboratory Sciences to implement more stringent regulations and carry out regular inspections of facilities. He highlighted the impact of the exodus of medical personnel on the health sector and the imminent induction of 317 new foreign trained Medical Laboratory Scientists into the Nigerian medical system.
In a bid to counter the effects of the Japa syndrome, MLSCN is working towards increasing the intake of students studying medical laboratory science in Nigerian universities. Steps will also be taken to enhance facilities and teaching personnel in the Medical Laboratory Science departments. Erhabor projected significant benefits for Nigeria in the next four years as a result of these efforts.
The President of ANHEJ, Com. Joseph Kadiri, expressed interest in collaborating with the Council to combat quackery and other issues through the media. He commended the Council for its accreditation of ISO17025, which eliminates the need for labs in Nigeria to seek accreditation abroad. ANHEJ pledged to support the Council in promoting its activities globally through their various platforms.
In conclusion, the MLSCN’s initiatives aim to strengthen the medical laboratory science profession in Nigeria, ensure quality standards, and mitigate the impact of brain drain. Through collaboration and strict regulation, the Council is working towards a future where the nation’s healthcare system is bolstered by well-trained and accredited laboratory scientists.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
