The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has called on the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to prioritize the full implementation of the National Health Act 2014. The association believes that the full execution of the Act is critical in addressing the numerous health challenges faced by the nation and in curbing the prevalence of quackery in the medical profession.
During a press briefing held in Owerri on Wednesday to mark the International Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Day, Dr. Uche Odionyenma, the National President of AMLSN, emphasized the importance of the National Health Act in ensuring comprehensive healthcare delivery. The press conference coincided with the celebration of the global theme for 2025 and 2026, which focuses on “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics Definitions.” Odionyenma used the occasion to highlight the pivotal role biomedical laboratory scientists play in healthcare, particularly in the areas of early disease detection, accurate diagnosis, treatment monitoring, disease surveillance, and prevention.
Dr. Odionyenma noted that the International Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (BLS) Day, observed every 15th of April, is recognized globally by the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS). It serves as a platform to acknowledge the critical contributions of biomedical laboratory scientists to global health and to raise awareness about their indispensable role in ensuring that health diagnoses are accurate and timely. “This day gives our profession a moment to celebrate and raise awareness about the crucial role laboratory scientists play in the healthcare system,” Odionyenma stated.
Speaking further on the significance of the day, Odionyenma explained that AMLSN, in conjunction with its global counterparts, celebrates the innovative and sustainable practices being implemented by biomedical laboratory professionals. These practices are designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy while minimizing waste, thus improving global health and environmental outcomes. “In celebrating this year’s Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Day, we emphasize that the medical laboratory science profession is founded on scientific experimentation, observation, and interpretation to ensure that medical practitioners are equipped with reliable and accurate diagnostic information,” he added.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Odionyenma made a crucial call for reforms within Nigeria’s health sector. He urged the Federal Government to introduce leadership reforms in the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the appointment of qualified, credible, and unbiased administrators. These reforms, according to Odionyenma, are essential to creating a conducive environment for the growth of healthcare and to provide the necessary resources for the delivery of quality services across the country.
The AMLSN President also advocated for equal opportunities for all health professionals and called for a fair and just system that supports career progression and professional autonomy. “This will ensure that every healthcare professional can contribute optimally to the healthcare delivery system,” he said. In addition to this, he emphasized the need for the full implementation of the Scheme of Service for Medical Laboratory Personnel at all levels of government and called for better funding of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to improve access to healthcare and to achieve better universal health coverage.
Dr. Odionyenma also pressed for an increase in budgetary allocation to the health sector, with a specific focus on adequately funding medical laboratory services. He stated that improving the availability, affordability, and reliability of diagnostic tests is essential for the masses and that proper regulation of In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) is necessary for public health protection. “In promoting sustainability in clinical diagnostics, sustainable testing, efficient procurement, effective use of resources, and qualified manpower are critical ingredients,” he concluded.
The appeal from AMLSN reflects the pressing need for systemic changes within Nigeria’s health sector to ensure better healthcare delivery, transparency, and sustainability in the country’s medical practices.
