JOS (Health Ministry’ Report)- The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has called on health Professionals in the country to close ranks and work in harmony for the progress of the health sector.
He made this call recently in Jos, Plateau State at the commissioning of projects at the Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, and Induction/Orientation Ceremony of graduands and students of Medical Laboratory Technician Programme.
The Minister noted that inter-professional rivalry and unhealthy competition in the health sector does not augur well for the sector. Adding, “I take this opportunity to call your attention to the unhealthy trend bedeviling Nigeria’s health sector, which is the intense inter-professional rivalry in hospitals which is seriously affecting the health service delivery”.
He stressed the importance of Medical Laboratory Science, describing it as an important arm of medical service delivery which goes beyond analysis of symptoms, physical examination and guess work, stressing that the 21st Century medicine is evidence-based and relies on laboratory and radiological evidence.
In his words, “As healthcare professionals, you have the responsibility to maintain the ethics laid down by your profession, bearing in mind that the accuracy and promptness of your work is what advises the physician’s decision and the wellbeing of the patient. This is the mantra for you and all care providers”.
Dr. Ehanire said that the Federal Government has been funding the activities of the institution and will continue to do so, in spite of the challenges of limited resources, assuring that the development of the permanent site has started and will continue until it is completed.
“It might be a phased project, but it will definitely be done. I enjoin the school to continue to prioritise activities and be prudent with funds. There is no room for wastage and leakage. Transparency and accountability are the watchwords, with determination and commitment, great heights shall be attained,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, who was represented by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kudeng Tangshang, assured that the legal framework for the operation of the school which is before the National Assembly will be see the light of the day given the commitment of the legislators who are working relentlessly for its passage. He pointed out that notwithstanding the economic recession in the country, the state government will look into the infrastructural deficit the school is going through, so that funds can be made available to fix them.
While speaking at the occasion, the Provost of the school, Dr. Sunday Etukudoh, said that the institution was established to be a reference point, and pioneer school of Medical Laboratory Technology Science in Nigeria and West African sub-region, adding that the school has turned out highly trained and qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists.
He reaffirmed that the school is poised to fulfill its dreams and mandate, saying that the batch of the matriculated students were two sets of students the school admitted in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 sessions in line with the approval by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), to train Medical Laboratory Technician students, even as the school awaits the final passage of the Bill for an Act establishing it.
He noted that the Act when enacted will strengthen the capacity and administrative functions of the school to enhance national and international collaborations and educational exchange programmes with other accredited training institutions in the world.
He however solicited the assistance of the Federal Ministry of Health in the allocation of adequate funds in 2017 appropriation Bill to facilitate the school’s speedy movement to the permanent site.
