Theme:
_“Current Innovations in Medical Laboratory Services: Navigating Global, Regional, and Local Healthcare Realities”_
*Date:* 27th – 30th November 2024
*Venue:* Murphy Mansions, near the National War Museum, Umuahia, Abia State
*Preamble*
The 60th Annual Scientific Conference and Workshop of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), tagged _“AMLSN N’Abia 2024,”_ was held from 27th to 30th November 2024 in Umuahia, Abia State. The conference was declared open by *Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR,* Executive Governor of Abia State.
This event marked the Diamond Jubilee of the association’s formation and provided a platform for critical discussions on challenges and innovations in medical laboratory services in Nigeria.
The conference was chaired by *Prof. D.E. Agbonlahor, FAS,* a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Ali University, a past National President and Chairman, Committee of Past Presidents, AMLSN.
The keynote address was delivered by *Prof. Maduebibisi Ofor Iwe,* Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, who emphasized the importance of innovation in diagnostics and healthcare delivery.
*Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu,* Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a Guest Speaker reaffirmed the legislative commitment to the growth and development of medical laboratory services in Nigeria.
*KEY OBSERVATIONS*
*Challenges in the Healthcare Sector*
*1. State of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs):* PHCs across Nigeria are near-abandoned, undermining the foundation of the healthcare system.
*2. Economic Challenges:* Rising inflation continues to impact healthcare affordability and delivery.
*3. Insecurity:* Persistent insecurity disrupts healthcare access and workforce safety.
*4. Brain Drain:* Over 25,000 healthcare professionals, including Medical Laboratory Scientists, have left Nigeria in the past two years. This exodus is attributed to poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
*Challenges in Medical Laboratory Services*
*1. Infrastructure Deficit:* Inadequate infrastructure hampers the delivery of quality diagnostic services.
*2. Dilution of Standards:* Training programs and services in some institutions fail to meet global best practices.
*3. National Accreditation and Quality Improvement:* A lack of accredited public facilities contributes to capital flight associated with medical tourism.
*Issues with the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (FCMLST)*
The Conference frowned at the activities of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, particularly the introduction of the ND MLT program and the reintroduction of the Graduate Internship Program, despite over 50 universities already offering BMLS degrees.
*Breach of MLSCN Act 11 of 2003*
The conference noted with concern the breaches of the *Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act 11 of 2003,* which hinder the provision of quality medical laboratory services in the country. These include:
*1. Appointment of Non-MLS Professional as Board Chairman:* Despite previous complaints and promises, this issue remains unresolved.
*2. Barriers in Public Laboratory Services and IVD Regulation:* These ongoing challenges continue to impede the delivery of effective diagnostic services.
*RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS*
*Strengthening Medical Laboratory Services*
*1. Empower Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN):* The MLSCN should retain her position as the sole regulatory authority for medical laboratory science and services, ensuring adherence to global standards.
*2. The government should promptly constitute the Governing Board of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (FCMLST), Jos, as stipulated in the 2022 enabling Act:* This will help achieve the noble objectives behind the establishment of the college.
*Improving Accreditation and Standards*
*1. Modernization of Infrastructure:* Upgrade laboratory facilities in public institutions to meet ISO 15189:2022 standards.
*2. Re-commencement of Inspections:* Approve MLSCN’s mandatory inspection of public and private laboratories.
*3. Empowerment of Quality Committees:* Strengthen the Advisory Committee on External Quality Assessment and Laboratory Technical Working Group (TWG).
*Reconstitution of Governing Boards*
The conference emphasized the need to reconstitute the MLSCN Governing Board and the Boards of Tertiary/Specialized Hospitals and Health Agencies. This is essential to:
Prevent unregulated professionals from rendering regulated services.
Ensure compliance with statutory provisions.
Promote quality healthcare service delivery to citizens.
*Commencement of MLSD degree Programme*
The conference called for the immediate introduction of the *Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLSD)* degree Programme in Nigerian universities. This program will:
Enhance the course content of Medical Laboratory Science to meet global standards.
Keep pace with rapid advancements in medicine, science, and technology.
AMLSN pledged to collaborate with MLSCN and engage with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to secure approval for this program without further delay.
*Workforce Development and Retention*
*1. Federal Directive for Employment:* The Federal Government should direct the employment of Medical Laboratory Scientists to run functional laboratories in PHCs across all 774 LGAs.
*2. Centralized Internship Placement:* Establish a structured system for integrating Medical Laboratory Science graduates into the workforce.
*3. Improved Remuneration:* Enhance salaries and conditions of service to retain skilled professionals.
*Promoting Innovation and Local Solutions*
1. Facilitate local production of diagnostic tools and reagents to reduce dependency on imports.
2. Promote the adoption of diagnostic technologies like POCT, digital PCR, and NGS, manned by qualified professionals.
*Strengthening Partnerships*
1. Enhance collaborations between the private sector, public institutions, and international organizations for innovation and capacity building.
2. Build robust laboratory networks for surveillance of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
*Establishment of a Department of Medical Laboratory Services*
The conference stressed the urgent need to upgrade the Division of Medical Laboratory Services within the FMoH to a full Department of Medical Laboratory Services, as recommended by the 2022 Nigerian National Medical Laboratory Policy. This change would significantly enhance the implementation of the FMoH’s Strategic Health Development Plan.
*Votes of Confidence and Appointments*
1. The conference passed a vote of confidence on the AMLSN Board of Trustees led by *Chief Mrs. Adunni Udu* for their professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.
2. The conference ratified the appointment of *Barrister I. O. Ogbaga* as AMLSN’s lawyer for his commitment to the association’s goals and adherence to legal best practices.
*Condemnation of Illegal Activities*
The conference strongly condemned the illegal gathering organized by *Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi* and others from 13th to 15th November 2024 at the Landmark Event Centre, Owerri, Imo State. The resolutions from this illegal gathering were described as baseless, divisive, null, void, of no effect and unrepresentative of the association.
*Peace Committee*
The Conference/AGM approved the establishment of a peace committee to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis within the AMLSN.
The AMLSN reaffirmed its commitment to unity, professionalism, and adherence to lawful practices.
*Prayers*
1. Restoration of peace and unity within AMLSN and Nigeria.
2. Continuous contribution of AMLSN to a robust healthcare system.
*Appreciation*
The conference expressed profound gratitude to:
*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,* for his commitment to healthcare reforms.
*Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR,* for hosting the conference and his unwavering support.
*Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu,* for delivering a paper as a Guest Speaker and his legislative commitment to Medical Laboratory Services.
*Prof. D.E. Agbonlahor, FAS,* for chairing the conference and his exceptional contributions to the profession.
*Prof. Anthony Ezimah and Dr. Sam Ureme,* for delivering insightful papers on the sub-themes of the conference.
All past distinguished National Presidents and elders of AMLSN for their invaluable contributions.
All guests, sponsors, and attendees for their efforts in making the event successful.
Issued this 30th day of November, 2024, in Umuahia, Abia State.
Signed:
Dr. Uche Odionyenma
National President, AMLSN
Adeleke O. Olaoluwa
Chairman, Communique Drafting Subcommittee
