Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday, urged the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) to conduct in-depth research and channel scientific findings to boost public health.

Idahosa also urged the scientists to set up a vaccine manufacturing company in Edo State.

The deputy governor spoke when he played host to the state chapter of AMLSN, saying, “As we speak, we still do not have a vaccine manufacturing company or industry in the whole of Nigeria. That, to me, is worrisome.”

Idahosa, who hosted the scientists on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, added: “This is the heartbeat of the nation. I think we should roll up our sleeves and do what other states in this country have not done before. Let Edo be the beginner.”

He appreciated the laboratory scientists on their courtesy visit, commending them for their contributions and medical interventions, which he said had given a boost to the public health sector’s delivery system in the state.

Referring to the campaign manifesto and five-point SHINE Agenda of Okpebholo, Idahosa affirmed that, “after security, health is number two. We are laying so much emphasis on health. Edo State is going to be happy with what we are going to do with the health sector.”

Idahosa assured the scientists that he was going to work closely with “the think tanks in the health sector based on raised areas of needs,” as “government would look at the best way to proffer solution to some of these challenges.”

State Chairman of the AMLSN, Dr. Ekhaguere Ehigie, who had earlier congratulated the Edo State Government on its victories at the polls and in court, highlighted issues that plague laboratory practice in Nigeria.

He advocated for the establishment of modern molecular laboratories and the utilisation of nanotechnology to enhance disease diagnosis, accurate laboratory results, and the monitoring/surveillance of public health.