Owerri, Imo State – April 16, 2025
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to fully implement the National Health Act of 2014, citing its potential to address Nigeria’s persistent healthcare challenges and curb quackery within the profession.

The appeal was made on Wednesday by AMLSN National President, Dr. Uche Odionyenma, during a press conference in Owerri to commemorate the International Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Day, observed globally every April 15.

Speaking on the global two-year theme for 2025–2026, “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics Definitions,” Odionyenma emphasized the critical role biomedical scientists play in early disease detection, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and surveillance.

“This celebration gives our profession a moment to highlight its vital contributions to healthcare delivery, as well as to advocate for reforms that strengthen clinical diagnostics and ensure sustainability,” Odionyenma said.

The AMLSN president stressed the need for the Federal Government to prioritize biomedical services in its policy implementation and urged the restructuring of the Federal Ministry of Health. He called for the appointment of credible and professionally neutral health administrators capable of fostering a fair and enabling environment for all healthcare professionals.

He also demanded:

• Full implementation of the approved Scheme of Service for medical laboratory personnel across all government levels.
• Increased funding for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to improve access and achieve universal health coverage.
• Budgetary upgrades for medical laboratory services to enhance test affordability, reliability, and accessibility.
• Stricter regulation of in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) to protect public health.

“The profession of medical laboratory science is grounded in scientific observation and interpretation. We must be empowered to provide accurate and sustainable diagnostic services,” Odionyenma noted.

He called for the promotion of sustainable practices in testing, procurement, and workforce engagement to enhance clinical outcomes and environmental responsibility.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the AMLSN Board of Fellows, Bona Nlemadim, and Prof. Tony Emeribe, former Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, joined in advocating for stronger regulatory frameworks and increased investment in laboratory services nationwide.

The event marked the association’s participation in the global recognition of laboratory professionals and their indispensable role in achieving effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.