Stakeholders within the healthcare sector have raised concerns about the insufficient number of accredited laboratories in Nigeria, revealing that there are fewer than 30 ISO-accredited laboratories in the country.
During the 25th National Scientific and Annual General Meeting, themed “Nigeria in the Post-COVID Era: Role of Private Medical Laboratories in Surveillance of Emerging, Re-emerging Infectious and Non-communicable Diseases,” organized by the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD) in Lagos, prominent figures in the field addressed this issue. Among those who spoke were Dr. Elochukwu Adibo, the National President of GMLD; Professor Kolawole Oyedeji, Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG); and Dr. Tosan Erabor, Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.
They disclosed that out of the less than 30 accredited laboratories, only 14 have received accreditation from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). This number is considered inadequate for a nation with a population of nearly 200 million people.
Emphasizing the importance of accreditation, they noted that it is crucial for ensuring the delivery of high-quality and competent services and for preparedness in the face of medical emergencies, particularly the outbreak of infectious diseases. They urged other laboratories to pursue accreditation.
Dr. Elochukwu Adibo, National President of GMLD, stressed the necessity of readiness and responsiveness to emergencies, citing the unpreparedness exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the role of laboratories in continuous surveillance and the implementation of internationally standardized quality management systems, such as ISO 15189. These systems encompass key components like infection prevention and control mechanisms, which laboratories must adhere to consistently.
Professor Kolawole Oyedeji of UNILAG urged practitioners to adopt surveillance measures in tracking emerging and re-emerging diseases. He emphasized the need to learn from the lessons of COVID-19 and prioritize the surveillance of such diseases.
Dr. Tosan Erabor, represented by Mr. Offutalu Paulinus, pointed out the inadequacy of ISO-accredited laboratories in Nigeria, given the country’s substantial population. He underscored that accreditation provides assurance to laboratory users, signifying that competent professionals adhere to the right standards. The conference aimed to encourage laboratories to seek accreditation to enhance the confidence of their customers and the quality of their services.
