Nigeria must strengthen health system for future pandemics, says Mamora

Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, has said lessons from COVID-19 should compel the country to strengthen its health system to withstand future pandemics. 

He disclosed this in Zaria, Kaduna State, yesterday, during the unveiling of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) accreditation service.

He said the Federal Government will support health facilities to upscale service delivery to ensure patients receive best possible care. 

He noted that with right facilities, early diagnosis and prompt treatment, most ailments, including cancer, can be effectively managed.

Also speaking, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of MLSCN, Dr. Tosan Erhabor, observed that the council is the statutory agency of government charged with the responsibility of regulating Medical Laboratory Services and Practice in Nigeria as enshrined in Act 11 of 2003 (CAP M25 LFN 2004). 

He noted that in line with meeting international best practices, Nigeria has adopted the ISO 15189:2012 as national industrial standard for accreditation of public and private medical laboratories in Nigeria.

This standard covers a variety of areas, including human resources, infrastructure, equipment, in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) regulation, and analysis/activities and quality management system. 

He appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health to direct all federal tertiary health institutions to key into the accreditation process, stressing that it will not only improve quality but also change the narrative of medical laboratory facilities in Nigeria.