Poor diagnostic practices threaten healthcare system — MLSCN

The Acting Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Donald Ibe Ofili, has warned that poor diagnostic practices and unprofessional conduct remain major threats to Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that errors by medical laboratory professionals could cost lives.

Ofili, who was represented by the Director of Scientists Regulation and Discipline, Mrs Iheoma Ezeako, gave the warning during the 7th induction ceremony of fresh Medical Laboratory Science graduates of the University of Ibadan, where 35 graduates were formally inducted into the profession.

Addressing the new inductees, the MLSCN boss said healthcare professionals must understand the weight of responsibility placed on them, noting that inaccurate laboratory results could lead to wrong diagnoses, failed treatments, and avoidable deaths.

“You are about to open a new chapter where your mistakes may cost lives and leave dire consequences,” he warned.

He urged the graduates to shun unethical practices and the pursuit of quick wealth, adding that professionalism, competence, and integrity must remain the foundation of their careers.

According to him, Nigeria’s healthcare system can only improve if laboratory professionals uphold global best practices and maintain high standards in diagnostic services.

Ofili also noted that rapid advances in healthcare technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Genomics, are reshaping the profession globally, warning that practitioners who fail to adapt risk becoming irrelevant.

The Acting Registrar further called on universities and lecturers to prioritise practical training over excessive theoretical teaching, describing Medical Laboratory Science as a skill-driven profession that demands precision and versatility.

“Medical Laboratory Science is a profession driven by skills, versatility, and precision; therefore, practical experience should be a major strategic priority,” he stated.

He added that the Council was pursuing reforms aimed at improving diagnostic outcomes across the country through collaborations with local and international partners in line with global healthcare realities.

Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof Temidayo Ogundiran, charged the newly inducted graduates to uphold excellence, professionalism, and integrity, warning that patients’ survival would often depend on the accuracy of their work.

Ogundiran described Medical Laboratory Science as one of the pillars of modern medicine, noting that critical medical decisions and life-saving treatments often rely on accurate laboratory results.

The provost also expressed concern over challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including weak infrastructure, insecurity, and the migration of healthcare professionals abroad.

Despite the challenges, he urged the inductees not to lose hope, stressing that great professionals are shaped by purpose, resilience, and commitment to service.

He further encouraged the graduates to remain connected to the institution as alumni and contribute to the growth and development of the college through support for infrastructure, renovation, sponsorship, and digitisation initiatives.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Prof Ishiaq Omotosho, warned the newly inducted medical laboratory scientists against compromising professional ethics, integrity, and accuracy in the discharge of their duties.

He cautioned the graduates against allowing workplace pressure, financial needs, or personal challenges to influence the integrity of their professional practice.

Omotosho also encouraged the newly inducted professionals to embrace continuous learning and self-development to remain relevant in the evolving healthcare sector.