Pathologists fleeing country in droves, body cries out

Several laboratories in Nigerian hospitals are currently lacking professional Pathologists as scores of them are fleeing the country due to unfavourable working conditions.

The experts in College of Nigerian Pathology (CNP), Lagos Chapter, who disclosed this, charged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for pathologists, noting that scarcity of pathologists in the country has encouraged the mushrooming of unregulated laboratories run by poorly qualified non-pathologist staffs.

The group joined other pathologists and laboratory medicine institutions across the globe to celebrate 2019 world International Pathology day.

Speaking during the public lecture to commemorate 2019 World Pathology Day themed ‘Advances in rapid and POC diagnostic testing’, chairperson of Lagos CNP, Fatimah Abdulkareem, urged pathologists to desist from the exodus of immigration after the country has expended so much resources in training them. She said the Day is celebrated annually to create awareness on the role of Pathology in healthcare.

She said CNP Lagos chapter is commemorating the day by discussing recent advances in laboratory practice with a view to improving laboratory services to the populace, educate the citizenry and encourage students to take interest in Pathology.

Chairperson of the occasion, Tilewa Amusu (rtd) commended the group for the fact that they are doing a lot into improving the health care delivery in Nigeria, urging the government to invest more in the health sector.

Keynote speaker, Former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Olufunmilayo Olatunji said there is a need for advocacy on the way to address the acute shortage of pathologist in the country.