The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has vowed to arrest and prosecute any members found operating substandard laboratories in Delta State, as part of its efforts to curb quackery and protect public health.
The Council on Monday flagged off its nationwide inspection of medical laboratories in Asaba, Delta State.

Speaking at the launch, the Acting Registrar/CEO of MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili, said the initiative was aimed at enforcing professionalism rather than targeting individuals.

“This is not a witch-hunt but a professional regulatory exercise to protect Nigerians from substandard practices. Our mandate is clear — to promote quality, discipline erring practitioners, and prosecute quacks where necessary,” Ofili said.

The inspection exercise, scheduled to run from September 22 to 26, 2025, will cover Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, and adjoining communities.

According to Ofili, three teams of trained MLSCN inspectors will assess laboratories using structured checklists focusing on staff qualifications, facility standards, safety compliance, participation in External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes, and other key benchmarks.

The initiative is backed by Section 4(e) of the MLSCN Act 11, 2003, and guided by the National Protocol on Laboratory Inspection.

Ofili stressed that only licensed medical laboratory scientists, supported by certified technicians, are authorized to conduct medical investigations on humans.

The registrar said findings from the inspection will be submitted to the Delta State Governor through the Commissioner for Health. A monitoring team will remain in the state to ensure compliance and sustain surveillance.

He called on the Delta State Government, health stakeholders, security agencies, the media, and the general public to support the exercise, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen the health sector.