Medical laboratory scientists seek government intervention to healthcare challenges

THE Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors of Nigeria (GMLD) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address challenges confronting the nation’s health sector.

Mrs Chioma Austin-Onuorah, the National President of the guild, made the call during its 21st Annual National Conference in Owerri on Thursday.

The national president spoke on the theme: “Universal Health Coverage, Private Medical Laboratory Perspective, Preparedness and Required Technology.”

Austin-Onuorah identified some of the challenges to include regulatory impediments, licensing and quackery as well as multiple taxations and access to low-interest financing.

She also drew attention to the vision of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

ALSO READ: Nasarawa state govt seeks traditional institution’s collaboration to end polio

Austin-Onuorah advised the government to make private health care providers more bankable by enabling and increasing steady revenue stream to encourage innovation and growth in the sector.

“World leaders have agreed that every person regardless of their social and economic status should be able to access quality health services.

“An effective healthcare delivery system can rightly be described as one that guarantees timely access to appropriate and affordable high-quality health services to all persons needing them in a well-functioning health system,” she said.

Also speaking, the state chairman of GMLD, Mr Peter Nseabasi explained that the theme of the conference was carefully chosen to sound a wakeup call to practitioners and regulators of medical laboratory sciences.

According to him, theme expects them to rise to their professional calling in the increasingly dynamic Nigerian health industry.

Peter, who is also the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, said: “There is a need for quality medical laboratory services at all levels.

“From primary health centres, secondary and tertiary health institutions including non-governmental organisations, private clinics and private medical laboratories if universal health coverage is to be achieved.’’

Nseabasi however, warned against the demand of percentage commission from private medical laboratories in return for patronage by clinics, hospitals and other healthcare providers.

He described the practice as unhealthy, adding that its consequences leave patients at the receiving whereas universal health coverage will expectedly provide health care with no financial stress.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to select members of the guild in recognition of their various contributions to the development medical laboratory profession in Nigeria.