Nigerian medical laboratory scientists advocate for local diagnostic production and healthcare reforms
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has urged reforms to reduce the country's reliance on imported diagnostic products. During its 61st yearly scientific conference, the association adopted 10 resolutions addressing challenges such as funding shortages, weak local manufacturing, regulatory gaps, and inadequate specialist training. A key resolution calls for a national strategy to boost local production of diagnostic products, as Nigeria imports 95% to 99% of its in-vitro diagnostic products. Felix Ofungwu, conference chairman and Managing Director of ISN Medical, highlighted that heavy import reliance exposes the healthcare system to vulnerabilities. The association also called for strengthened quality governance for point-of-care testing, sustainable funding for laboratory accreditation, and regulation of tele-laboratory and digital diagnostic services, noting Nigeria lacks a unified Digital Health Act. Concerns were raised about regulatory gaps due to the rapid adoption of digital and AI-driven healthcare technologies. The association also advocates for expanded postgraduate training for medical laboratory scientists and renewed its opposition to proposed legislation that could undermine the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria's independence. Furthermore, it urged the Federal Government to improve security for healthcare workers and include diagnostic and laboratory services in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Servi
