The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria or MLSCN has sealed at least three laboratories in Enugu State, including an unqualified molecular laboratory that runs COVID-19 tests.
During a press conference, Mr Greg Uchuno, Acting Director of Practioner Regulation and Discipline Department of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, shared the latest update on the agency’s crackdown on medical labs in Enugu State.
“We have sealed over three laboratories, including a molecular lab that gives result of Covid-19. This sealing could be as a result of expired produce, use of quack personnel, or underhand Practices,” Uchuno said on Thursday.
“We assure people that we are not sealing any lab because of lack of quantity of personnel, however, quality of personal could also lead to sealing of labs.”
Mr Uchuno stated that the inspections aim to assess compliance with the minimum standards required to operate a medical laboratory facility in Nigeria and ensure that medical laboratories produce accurate, reliable, and timely results for effective treatment and management of patients.
“We noted the use of unqualified medical laboratory personnel to generate laboratory test results by some facilities while others operate under unacceptable facilities that compromise quality as well as staff and patients’ safety.
“Most of the qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians do not have current practising licenses and work permits respectively. Therefore, the MLSCN cannot guarantee the accuracy of the test results they generate,” the acting director said.
