28,966 lab scientists now members of Laboratory Council
By Felicia Imohimi
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) says it has registered more than 28,966 Medical Laboratory Scientists from inception in November 19, 1968, till date.
Mr Tosan Erhabor, the Acting Registrar of the council, disclosed this at a news conference to mark the council’s 50th anniversary on Monday in Abuja.
Erhabor further noted that the council had also registered 24,435 Medical Laboratory Technicians and 15,253 Laboratory Assistants in collaboration with Universities to meet the short fall of professionals in health system.
The registrar however noted that in spite of this large number, the country still suffered deficit due to migration of number of the professionals to America, Europe and other African countries, adding that the country still has a long way to go.
“The good thing is that good number of universities are signing up. We have about 25 universities presently offering Bachelor of Laboratory Science and many are on the line so there is still hope.
“The Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistants (Disciplinary Committee) Rule of 2016 have been approved and gazetted by the Federal Government to stem the tide of illegal and unethical practices,” Erhabor said.
The registrar further noted that the council over the years have established an I-Vitro Diagnostic Laboratory at Yaba Lagos to regulate the production, importation, sales and stocking of diagnostic laboratory reagents and chemicals.
According to him, the council has a decent and well-furnished laboratory at its headquarters for human development to improve quality of care, among others.
Erhabor explained that the role of medical laboratory scientists was to generate accurate, reliable, reproducible, timely and cost effective medical laboratory tests results to be utilised by doctors for the quality management of patents.
He emphasised that the golden jubilee afford the council members the opportunity for “reassessment of our policies, processes and programmes in order to make informed projections for future’’.
Erhabor identified some functions of MLSCN as enshrined in the Act to include to determine from time to time standard of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become medical laboratory scientists.
According to him, it is also established to regulate the practice of laboratory science in Nigeria, among other functions. (NAN)
