MLSCN BOSS CHARGED PRACTITIONERS TO RE-DEDICATE SELF TO THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY

The Ag. Registrar/CEO, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Erhabor Tosan, yesterday in Abuja, addressed the media on the ongoing preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Council slated for December 4. Listing many achievements of the agency over the years, he urged practitioners to re-dedicate themselves to the service of humanity.

BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE DELIVERED BY THE ACTING REGISTRAR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, ERHABOR, TOSAN TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 19TH NOVEMBER, 2018 AT THE BOARD ROOM OF MLSCN HOUSE

GENTLEMEN OF THE PRESS

Introduction
The formal and structured training of Medical Laboratory Technologists commenced with the promulgation of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria (IMLTN), Decree 56 of 1968 by the General Dr Yakubu Gowon's administration. The IMLTN Decree 56 of 1968 was amended via the Institute of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Decree 54 of 1999. The IMLST, Decree 54 of 1999 was repealed and re-placed by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, Act 11, 2003. This law confers the status of a federal statutory body on the MLSCN with the mandate of regulating the practice of medical laboratory science in Nigeria. Therefore, the MLSCN is 50 years old today as it was established on the 19th November, 1968. The practitioners of the profession of medical laboratory science in Nigeria are called Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). Members operate the Medical Laboratory Scientists Scheme of Service as approved by the National Council of Establishment. For the purpose of emphasis the profession is distinct and separate from medicine. The role of medical laboratory scientists is the generation of accurate, reliable, reproducible, timely and cost effective medical laboratory tests results to be utilised by doctors for the quality management of patients.

A man of fifty years is of middle age and needs to examine the past and re-navigate the future. Same is true of institutions particular in the context of innovations in medicine, science, technology and communications. Therefore, this Golden Jubilee Celebration affords us the opportunity for the re-assessment of our policies, processes and programmes so as to make informed projections for the future.

Statutory Function of the MLSCN
Let us examine the statutorily assigned functions of the MLSCN so to assess whether we are in line with the approved mandate. This is captured in the First Schedule, Section 4 of the MLSCN law.

These include:

(4a) Determine from time to time the standard of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons seeking to become Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistants

(4b) Regulate the practice of Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria

(4c) Regulate the training of Scientists, Technicians and Assistants in any institution in Nigeria and give periodic accreditations to institutions

(4d) Provide and maintain separate register for Scientists, Technicians and Assistants.

(4e) Regulate the production, importation, sales and stocking of diagnostic laboratory reagents and chemicals.

(4f)  Assess, evaluate and register foreign graduates of Medical Laboratory Science

(4g) Conduct examinations for Technicians and Assistants

(4h) Inspect, regulate and accredit Medical Laboratories.

Objectives of 50th Anniversary Celebration of the MLSCN

The objectives of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the MLSCN are as follows:

1. To take stock of the transformation of the profession of medical laboratory science in the past 50 years in Nigeria
2. To project the path of growth of the profession in the next five decades
3. To examine the programmes/activities geared towards the sustainable generation of accurate, reliable, reproducible, timely, cost effective and affordable medical laboratory test results
4. To assess the current state of medical laboratories in Nigeria and examine modalities for international collaboration and accreditation
5. To honour individuals and institutions that have positively contributed to the growth of medical laboratory science education and professionalism in Nigeria in the last 50 years.

Milestones Recorded by the MLSCN in the Last 5 Decades
• Transformation from an Institute status as enshrined in Decree 56 of 1968 to Council status via the MLSCN, Act 11, 2003. Apart from regulating   training institutions by determining the level of knowledge and skill to be attained by practitioners and using periodic accreditation to ensure maintenance of standards, the new status of MLSCN facilitates the regulation of the practice of the profession in Nigeria.
• Transformation from a 4 year Associate certificate programme to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) Programme which is a 6 year programme incorporating 5 years University Education and 1 year of Internship training Programme. The BMLS programme is one of the most subscribed programme in Nigerian Universities. Currently, there are 25 Universities running the Programme in Nigeria.
• Elevation of the profession from the middle level manpower to high level calibre manpower. Members can now rise to the directorate level in the Civil Service of the Federation. Indeed some States have appointed their Directors of medical laboratory services for effective coordination and quality delivery of medical laboratory test results. We now have a Director of Medical Laboratory Service in the Federal Ministry of Health just as some Teaching/Specialist Hospitals have also appointed theirs.
• The MLSCN is operating from her Headquarter building called MLSCN House built through internally generated revenue and contributions by members of Council. This is where we are holding this Press Conference
• The MLSCN has contributed to improved quality of results of medical laboratory tests through inspection and accreditation of public and private medical laboratories. The MLSCN also operates an External Quality Assurance Programme from her laboratory in Zaria, Kaduna State to ensure the quality of HIV/AIDS diagnostics and treatment. External quality assurance is also being offered in other aspects of medical laboratory diagnosis e.g Malaria, Hepatitis B and C, TB etc.
• The MLSCN has established an In-Vitro Diagnostic Laboratory at Yaba, Lagos to help regulate the production, importation, sales and stocking of diagnostic laboratory reagents and chemicals
• The MLSCN conduct the training, examination and certification of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants as well as foreign trained graduates of medical laboratory science to enhance quality of service delivery.
• In collaboration with Universities, the MLSCN has produced several MLS to meet the challenges of the shortfall of this group of professionals in the National Health Service. Currently on the Register, we have 28966 MLS, 24435 MLT and 15253 MLA.
• The Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistant (Disciplinary Committee) Rules of 2016 have been approved and gazetted by Federal Government to stem the tide of illegal and unethical practice.
• The Federal Government has also approved the protocol for the inspection of private and public medical laboratories in Nigeria to ensure high quality of laboratory care. This is already being utilised by the MLSCN
• The MLSCN has recently published a compendium of practice guidelines for the practice of medical laboratory science in Nigeria in line with her regulatory mandate so that nobody is in doubt of what is required to practice the profession in Nigeria
• The MLSCN has a decent and well-furnished laboratory in the headquarter for human capacity development to improve quality of care.
• The MLSCN in line with her mandate regularly publishes Register of Members in good standing.
• Other mile stones include:
o Professional discipline with the implementation of MLSCN Disciplinary committee rules.
o Establishment of Zonal and state offices.
o Online release of Results conducted by MLSCN.
o Online indexing of Students in training
o Subsidiary Legislations of MLSCN code of ethics.
Events and Activities to Mark the 50th Anniversary Celebration of MLSCN

The under listed events and activities are planned;
• Medical Outreach to hold on Monday, 3rd December, 2018 by the branches and Chapters of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria in their various jurisdictions throughout the country.
Routine but important medical laboratory investigations would be offered free to members of the public.
• Health Walk on the 3rd December, 2018: Take off point will be the Area 1 Round About to the MLSCN premises at Durumi
• Jumat Service on Friday, 7th December, 2018.
• Thanksgiving service on Sunday 9th December, 2018.
• MLSCN Golden Anniversary Lecture
Venue -  International Conference Centre, Abuja
Date  –  4th December, 2018
Time  –  10am

Chairman of Anniversary Lecture
His Excellency, General Dr Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, Former Head of State, Nigeria

1st Speaker
Prof Dennis E. Agbonlahor, Professor of Medical Microbiology, Former Vice Chancellor, Ambrose University, Ekpoma, Edo State; Former Chairman, MLSCN Governing Board and MD/CEO, Lahor Research Laboratories and Medical Centre

Topic
The Humble Beginning and Transformation of Medical Laboratory Science Profession in the last 50 Years in Nigeria - 2nd Speaker

2nd Speaker
Professor Oluyemi Akinloye, Professor of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis and Director, Centre for Genomics of Non-Communicable Diseases, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Topic
Medical laboratory Science Education and Professionalism in Nigeria in the next five decades

• MLSCN 50th Anniversary Diner for the Presentation of Awards
o Venue – Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja
o Time – 6pm

The awards are in four categories namely:
1. Special Honorary Fellowship Award to be bestowed on His Excellence, Gen Dr Yakubu Gowon, Rtd, GCFR;
2. Honorary Fellowship to be awarded to:
 Prof Isaac F. Adewole, Honourable Minister of Health;
 Dr Osagie E. Ehanire, Honourable Minister of State for Health;
 Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari, the Executive Governor of Katsina State;
3. Distinguished Merit Award will be presented to Former Board Chairmen, MLSCN, Past and serving Registrars and Past and serving Presidents of AMLSN and AMELTAN.
4. Individual Achievers Award to be presented to MLS or members of the public who contributed immensely towards the growth and advancement of MLS education and practice in Nigeria.

Gentlemen of the Press, the MLSCN has grown and has accordingly recorded these formidable achievements that have re-positioned the provision of medical laboratory care to Nigerians. Please we rely on you to appropriately inform Nigerians of our contributions to national development through efficient provision of medical laboratory test results.

May God bless you all.

ERHABOR, TOSAN
Ag Registrar/CEO
MLSCN