The Federal Government has frowned at the increasing number of unaccredited and ill-equipped medical laboratories across the country.
Therefore, it has directed that such laboratories have the grace until 2025 to be accredited and standardized, or risk being shut down or prosecuted, in the case of quacks posing as professionals.
Dr. Tosan Erhabor, the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), announced this at the press conference briefing of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science in Abuja.
At this year’s conference of the college with the theme: Improving Global Health by Strengthening Medical laboratory Capacity in Africa. AbouT 120 medical laboratory scientists were inducted as fellows of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science at the Conference Centre in Abuja between 15-17 November 2021.
‘’Most of our laboratories do not key into what we call external quality assurance. Most facilities that we have in Nigeria do not use reagents that are ventilated for this use. Also, in most of our facilities, the equipment is not calibrated for use., Dr. Erhabor said.
‘’For N Nigeria’s health system to key into the African Continental Free Trade Zone, all laboratories in Nigeria have been given up to 2025 to be accredited or phase out.’’
‘’We just did an inspection in three States to shut down quack laboratories and even our colleagues that their laboratories are not too good were shut down. It will amaze you that facilities in Nigeria, which are tagged laboratories –owned by quacks –are also used as hospitals. Such persons have been handed over to law enforcement agents.’’
(Nation)