Hematologists urges govts to invest in diagnosis and management of blood disorders

A professor of haematology, Prof. Osaro Erhabor,on Tuesday, urged the three tiers of governments to invest significantly in human capital and infrastructure development to improve diagnosis and management of blood disorders.

Erhabor, of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, said this during the pre-Conference Workshop organised by Sub- Saharan Conference Nigeria in Lagos.

The theme of the conference is “Implementation of Evidenced-Based Best Practices in the Diagnosis and Management of Blood Disorders in Nigeria.’’

He said there was the need for more integrated and better designed health reforms that are more accountable for the needs of Nigeria.

Erhabor said that governments at all levels needed to adopt a more sophisticated and strategic approach, particularly regarding resource allocation and prudent utilisation.

He said that the evidenced-based management of blood disorders should start with the correct diagnosis of the disorder.

“Blood disorders both communicable and non- communicable diseases remain a major public health problem in Nigeria and other developing countries.

“Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 38 million deaths each year with almost three quarters of NCD related deaths occurring in low and middle income countries.

“The need for evidenced based management, efficiency, organisational related changes,less bureaucratic health system and long term strategic planning cannot be over emphasised.

“All health stakeholders and workers responsible for the management of Nigerians with blood disorders will have to work more smartly and strategically by identifying waste from the healthcare delivery system,” he said.

Erhabor said that there was need for harmony and teamwork by all healthcare workers involved in the management of blood disorders in Nigeria.

“All professional groups in the Nigerian health sector must feel valued.

“Advocating for the right attitude and discipline must be our responsibilities as stewards in the diagnosis and optimum management of blood disorders in Nigeria,”he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Idris Saliu, a haematologist said that evidence-based management of blood disorder required harmonious and team action by all stakeholders involved in its diagnosis and management of blood dis

Saliu, who is also Country Director, Safe Blood for Africa (SBFAF), said that training, self development and mentoring were very important to diagnosis management of blood disorders.

“We must put structure of quality management in place to be able to run a good laboratory for diagnosis of blood disorder.

“Governments need to fund all health institutions and their services for a better accurate diagnosis of every patient.

“Test result without good laboratory cannot produce good evidenced based.
“Good laboratory practice is essential in the laboratory setting to ensure that the correct result for the right patient is obtained.