Well-designed policies, technology will drive change in medical laboratory practice- Expert

The Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Enugu Chapter, Dr Brendan Mamah, says technology and well-designed policies will drive change in the medical laboratory practice.

Mamah made the call during the 2nd Annual Scientific Conference and Workshop of AMLSN with the theme “Strengthening Africa’s Health System With Policies And Technologies For Economic Development” in Enugu on Saturday.

He said the current practice of medical laboratory sciences needed some policies to strengthen infrastructures and equipment procurement across the globe.

According to him, personalised and precision medicine as well as the innovation of cutting-edge technology are driving a dramatic change in the medical laboratory practice.

He added that transition from manual to automated processes, technologies and growing significance of bioinformatics and introduction Laboratory Information System were Hallmarks of the current medical laboratory practice.

“As the global practice is shifting from generalised practice to customised and personalised practice, there is need for healthcare practitioners in Enugu State to embrace the change,” he said.

Noting that health institutions were faced with lack of improved facilities and other challenges, Mamah said clinical laboratories had potentials to be at the vanguard of significant shift in patient care through precision medicine.

He commended Gov. Peter Mbah for building type 2 primary health centres across the 260 wards to make healthcare delivery closer to the people.

In a keynote address, the member representing Nsukka and Igboeze South Federal Constituency, Mr Chidi Obetta, called for adoption of bold and innovative policies to prioritise health and well-being.

He emphasised the need for increasing health budgetary allocation to ensure adequate funding for essential services as well as exploring innovative financing mechanism like health insurance and Public Private Partnerships.

“We seek strategic partnerships with international donors and organisations to supplement domestic resources while investment in infrastructure such as hospitals, laboratories and others should be encouraged.

“Ensuring that Universal Health Coverage (UHC), should be provided to enable citizens have access to quality healthcare without facing financial hardship,” Obeta said.

Comrade Chukwuemeka Edwin Ohaekweiro, immediate past National Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, urged Nigeria Government to take United States President, Donald Trump’s announcement for the withdrawal of donor agencies to Africa to improve healthcare delivery.

He noted that during COVID-19, Nigeria did not have capacity but within that period they were able to build capacity, manage situations and emergencies.

“Health institutions should be supported and digitalised,” he said.

Comrade Chukwuemeka Edwin Ohaekweiro

The Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and Royal Father of the Day, Igwe Samuel Asadu, lauded the association for being the forefront of healthcare delivery in the world, urging them on unite.

The highlight of the event include, bestowing of award to distinguished personalities and traditional dance.