The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s mounting health security challenges.
During its 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Owerri, the association’s president, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, called for immediate action to bridge the gap between physical security investments and health security initiatives. He urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize health security as a critical aspect of national security and to engage healthcare experts in policymaking.
Dr. Ifeanyi emphasized that health security forms the backbone of a secure nation but is often overlooked in favor of kinetic security measures. He said, “There are many conversations about the mobilization of resources for a kinetic approach to national security, but the conversations about national health security, which is the bedrock of national security, have become compromised.”
Highlighting the indispensable role of medical laboratory scientists in healthcare, he noted that they provide over 70% of the data required for medical decisions and more than 80% for planning. He advocated for increased investment in laboratory services and research to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Ifeanyi commended President Tinubu’s Executive Order on promoting local production of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, which he described as a step toward making healthcare more affordable.
Brain drain in the health sector was another pressing issue raised during the AGM. Dr. Ifeanyi criticized the Federal Ministry of Health’s recent policy aimed at curbing the exodus of healthcare professionals. While acknowledging the policy as a step in the right direction, he highlighted its flaws, particularly a clause denying health workers leave of absence. He described it as a violation of public service rules and urged the government to focus on addressing the root causes of brain drain.
The massive migration of healthcare professionals has strained the healthcare system, exacerbating shortages in critical areas like maternal and child health. With many skilled workers leaving for better opportunities abroad, hospitals are understaffed, leading to burnout among the remaining personnel and compromised quality of care.
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