AMLSN Urges Investment in Smart Diagnostics

Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has called on the Federal Government to increase investment in Smart Diagnostics, disease surveillance and laboratory infrastructure to strengthen healthcare and national security. The appeal came during the association’s 19th Annual Public Health Lecture and National Executive Council meeting in Enugu.

Speaking on the theme, “Smart Diaygygnostics: The Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in National Security and Universal Health Coverage,” participants stressed that medical laboratories remain the country’s first defence against infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, bioterrorism and other emerging public health threats. They said accurate diagnosis supports effective treatment, informed policymaking and national preparedness.

Chairman of the event and Provost of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Professor Nkereuwem Etukudoh, urged governments to recognise Smart Diagnostics as a strategic national asset rather than a support service. He said, “There can be no health security without diagnostic security, and there can be no national security without laboratory intelligence. Every solution to our healthcare challenges begins in the laboratory. No laboratory results, no treatment; no data, no policy; no diagnosis, no security.”

Etukudoh also described the National Assembly’s approval of the bill establishing the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, as a major step forward. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign the bill into law, saying the university would produce skilled professionals for disease surveillance, biotechnology, diagnostics and research.

The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) also announced reforms to improve regulation, transparency and patient safety. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Donald Ofili said the council would build a digitally driven and globally respected regulatory system. He added, “Regulation is not an obstacle to professional growth; it is the foundation of public confidence. Every reform we pursue must ultimately answer one question: Does it improve patient safety? If the answer is yes, we will pursue it with determination.” He also warned institutions against unethical accreditation practices and urged professionals to uphold ethical standards and continuous development.

Earlier, AMLSN National President Dr Casmir Ifeanyi described Smart Diagnostics as essential for disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, genomic intelligence and precision medicine. He warned that many Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, still lack access to quality laboratory services because many primary healthcare centres do not have functional diagnostic facilities. He urged the government to develop a National Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Strategy, expand laboratory networks, support local production of diagnostic reagents and strengthen research. He also praised ongoing health sector reforms and expressed hope that the proposed university would soon become law.

The event concluded with a keynote lecture by Professor Emmanuel Iyidobi, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, and attracted medical laboratory scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders from across Nigeria.

How important do you think Smart Diagnostics will be in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare and national security?