The Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this remark on the 15th of August 2024, when he inaugurated the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Technical Team on National Medical Laboratory Regulation and Inspection against Quackery.
The technical team which is chaired by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of MLSCN, is made up of 15 strategic members comprising representatives of AMLSN, Guild of Medical Directors, AMELTAN, Media, Legal, FMoH&SW, Director Hospital Services, DMLS at FMoH, and other critical Stakeholders.
With this new development, the MLSCN is now authorized to inspect all public and private laboratories in the country, in line with the express provisions of the MLSCN ACT 2023.
The Minister in his remark, stated that any facility not accredited by the MLSCN should be shut down by the inspection team.
The Minister emphasized that the MLSCN is the only government agency that has the legal authority to regulate healthcare laboratories in Nigeria as other regulatory bodies in the health sector lack such power.
This development is a significant milestone in the fight against quacks activities and the improvement of medical laboratory quality in Nigeria.
These efforts, if properly implemented will enhance overall patient safety and ensure that accurate and reliable diagnostic services are available to all Nigerians.
The technical team was asked to work in line with the Terms of Reference provided to ensure
improved quality management systems of private and public medical Laboratories in Nigeria, among others.
It is believed that this renewed commitment to regulating and inspecting government and private medical laboratory facilities by MLSCN will go a long way to contribute to a safer and healthier healthcare system in Nigeria.