Disclosing patients health status to public, unprofessional ― Laboratory experts admonished

Members of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (MLSCN) has been advised to always maintain the ethics of the profession, by not disclosing the health status of their patients to the public indiscriminately, while carrying out a test.

They were also advised not to involve in favouritism practices for sake of the money, especially, on crime-related matters.

Professor Peter Chukwu, a Medical Laboratory Scientist, from the Department of Pathologist, University of Nigeria Nnsukka (Enugu Campus), gave the advice while delivering a lecture at this year 2021 Annual Scientific Conference Luncheon/Investiture of the Association.

The Conference hosted by the Anambra State branch of the Association, on Thursday, in Awka, has the Theme: Quality Medical Laboratory Service And Practice In Community Healthcare Scheme.

According to Prof. Chukwu, the profession is only meant to be practised by people with the fear of God.

He said as a Lab. Scientists, you are expected to protect and respect the right of your client who came for a test, be it HIV/AIDS and other stigmatisation diseases and not to expose their status to the public indiscriminately.

He equally warned them, especially, the young Scientists not to hide the truth from couples, when it come to issues of a pregnancy test, DNA test, genotype test. And also to be optimistic in carrying out Post-morterm services.

He lauded Medical Laboratory Scientists professionals across the country for their resilience in the fight against intimidations and harassment from high places, noting that in spite of lack of motivation as demonstrated by the government towards the association, Medical Laboratory Scientists, have stayed true to their professional calling of sacrifice to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

The State Vice Chairman of the Association, Comrade Ifediata Francis, who spoke to journalists shortly after the programme, on behalf of his Chairman, Comrade Ikenna Ahaigalu, while applauding the state governor, Willie Obiano, for ensuring a conducive environment for the programme, warned members, operating in the state to eschew professional marginalization and work with all.

He requested that Medical Laboratory Scientists should be deeply involved in the development of technology for rapid manufacture of vaccines.

He said that in preparing the medical laboratory to respond adequately to an emergency, medical laboratories must be standardized in line with ISO 15189:2012 guidelines to give credibility to laboratory processes and outcomes which are critical in mapping out outbreak control strategies.

He called on the Federal Government to establish Forensic Department in all Nigeria Universities to enable members go for more training and retraining for effective performance.

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