Approve implementation of national health act, Association tells FG

Saddened by the nation’s worrisome state of economy, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State Branch, has appealed to the Federal Government to approve the implementation of National Health Act. 

In a communique issued at the end of its 7th annual retreat, the association viewed with concern, the state of Nigerian economy as it affects the health of Nigerians.

The communiqué was signed by the association’s state chairman, Mr Kehinde Adegoke, the Secretary, Mr Olumide Fadipe and the Director of Publicity, Mr. Leslie Olanrewaju.

“Our Association is saddened that the recession is hitting hard on the health of Nigerians. The cost of effective healthcare has gone beyond the reach of average Nigerians as the cost of power, procuring laboratory consumables, re-agents and equipment has become prohibitory, thereby taking cost of laboratory service out of reach of needy Lagosians, while the high unemployment rate has made it difficult for more enrollment into NHIS.

“As a result of this, our health institutions are overstretched with admissions since our primary health care centres cannot cope with the demands.”

The association however called on the FG to fast track efforts on revamping our economy as its current state has worsen the health indices, morbidity and mortality of Nigerians.

While commending the Federal Government for the rapid result initiatives, the association called for the involvement of AMLSN in the policy formulation and implementation of the scheme.

“The retreat reiterated that, for effective coverage there is need for the involvement of private laboratories in the scheme because many indigent patients may not have money to go to accredited hospitals.

“In a place like Lagos, the facilities are accessible to only elite patients in Mainland and Island due to cost of transportation and distance. If registered private laboratories are included, wider coverage would be achieved, as the centres will be a walking distance to the target Nigerians.”

The association also called on the Lagos state government to involve Guild Of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD) in the state in the implementation of the community based health insurance scheme.