The Zonal Coordinator of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) in Anambra, Mr. Sunday Nwovu, has urged Nigerians to always undergo proper laboratory diagnosis before commencing medical treatment.
Nwovu made the call on Friday in Awka while presenting a paper on the functions of the council at the monthly meeting of the Anambra Association of Heads of Federal Establishments.
He stressed that accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment and helps to prevent complications and escalation of illnesses.
Highlighting the role of the MLSCN, Nwovu explained that the council, a regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Health established by an Act of Parliament (Cap 114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), is mandated to regulate medical laboratory services and practice across the country.
He said the vision of the council is to become a world-acclaimed regulatory body driving a culture of quality and efficient health laboratory care, while maintaining high academic standards in training institutions.
According to him, the MLSCN strengthens laboratory systems and professional practice through regulation and accreditation, guided by values of professionalism, integrity, excellence, commitment, efficiency, and teamwork.
“We conduct examinations for students in medical laboratory science programmes, license them at the end of their training, regulate both public and private laboratories in Nigeria, and retrain as well as examine foreign graduates seeking to practice in the country,” he said.
Nwovu noted that the council was addressing challenges of funding and insecurity but reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality service to Nigerians.
(NAN)