Medical Laboratory Scientists Call for Govt Support for Research to Combat Epidemic Diseases
…As Medical Laboratory Scientists Prepared to Handle Outbreaks
…As Funding Key to Preventing Epidemic Diseases – Experts
Experts have called on the federal government to help fund research to prevent and curtail the spread of epidemic diseases.
This call was made by the Vice President of Medical Laboratory Scientists (Southwest) during the investiture of the new Executive of Oyo State Council of Medical Laboratory Scientists.
Speaking with Publisher of National Daily News, Ogundele Olanrewaju, Dr. Hazmat attributed the lack of progress in healthcare delivery to several factors, including inadequate funding, insufficient manpower training, poor remuneration, inadequate laboratory equipment, and insufficient empowerment of professionals.
He emphasized that medical laboratory scientists are prepared to handle outbreak epidemic diseases through continuous training and retraining, enabling them to conduct proper diagnoses and facilitate effective treatment for patients, including children and adults with malaria issues.
Dr. Hazmat noted that most research conducted by medical laboratory scientists is self-funded, which often delays delivery due to lack of funding.
He urged the government to prioritize citizens’ health, stressing that Nigerians shouldn’t die from preventable diseases like malaria if the government supports laboratory scientists in research.
The newly inaugurated Chairperson of the Medical Laboratory Scientists, Oyo State Council, MLS Akinbile Adebola, appealed to the Oyo State Government to establish a medical laboratory directorate at the State Ministry of Health to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of diseases in the state.
She advised residents to visit recognized hospitals when experiencing symptoms of illnesses and seek professional laboratory testing when necessary.
In her remarks, The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by Dr. Lanre Abass, urged medical laboratory scientists to pursue continuous education, mentorship, and support for career development.
She encouraged professionals to foster partnerships with academic institutions, research groups, donor agencies, and public health institutions to drive innovation and evidence-based practice.
Dr. Ajetunmobi commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s healthcare sector reforms, particularly the recruitment of medical laboratory scientists through the Oyo State Hospital Management Board and Primary Healthcare Board.
She noted that the deliberate strengthening of human resources plays a crucial role in diagnosing and delivering sustainable healthcare to the grassroots.
