Medical laboratory scientists in the country have called on the Federal Government to build on the gains of the fight to contain the Ebola virus by strengthening medical laboratory infrastructure.
The lab scientists also rejected what they referred to as “professional supremacy” of medical doctors, which had pitched them against the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional bodies in the health sector.
President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr. Godswill Okara, at the Annual Scientific Conference in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, said, “As the world grapples with the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria should rise to the occasion through research and vaccine development against the disease.”
He noted that it took the quick intervention of laboratory scientists to determine the cause of death of the index Ebola case in Nigeria, Patrick Sawyer.
He said the Federal Government should replicate the approach it used to contain Ebola in building the needed infrastructure to improve the practice of laboratory science.
The AMLSN president said, “The doctrine of professional supremacy is as evil as the doctrine of racial supremacy. Professional understanding is not something that we will find ready-made; it must be created by the fact of contact.
“We must commit ourselves positively and actively to the ideal of professional integration, not only in the health sector but also across all professional sectors in Nigeria.
“The society and humanity, which professionals are trained and licensed to serve, will certainly be served better through such integration.”
He called on the Federal and state governments to establish departments of medical laboratory services in their ministries of health in order to give effect to the fight against ailments like Ebola, and to stimulate the development of vaccines against such diseases.
“Unhealthy rivalry is unacceptable. The sky is big enough for stars. You do not need to pull down somebody in order to rise,” he said.
Ondo State Deputy Governor, Ali Olanusi, in his remarks, said the state government was committed to improving medical laboratory services in the state.
According to him, the state has invested heavily in the provision of healthcare for the people, including the establishment of the Mother and Child hospitals and the proposed medical village in Ondo.
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