Public Petition to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the General Public

*Save the Soul of MLS from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare*

• We, the concerned citizens and stakeholders in the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) profession, petition the President and the general public to intervene in the crisis facing the MLS profession in Nigeria.

Summary of the Issue:

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in conjunction with the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, has issued a letter (HMSH/FMH/68/1V/10th June 2024) that threatens the very existence of the MLS profession in Nigeria. The letter:

• Restricts the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to only regulating and setting standards for the practice of Medical Laboratory Science, contrary to the provisions of Act 11(2003) that set up MLSCN as the Regulator of Medical Laboratory Science training, standards, and practice.
• Mandates the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (FCMLST) to provide diploma courses of instruction, training, and research in Medical Laboratory Science, which will lead to the proliferation of substandard laboratories and unqualified personnel.
•  Introduces a graduate internship program that will allow non-professionals obtain MLS license after two years training that will compromise the standard of manpower training requisite of MLS professionals for optimal patient care for Nigerians as well as worsen unemployment and dilute the quality of MLS graduates, further compromising the already struggling healthcare system.
• Allows FCMLST to award diplomas and certificates, undermining the professional certification of MLSCN and putting the lives of Nigerians at risk.

It is noteworthy that even though MBBS (Physicians) started with a Diploma degree in Yaba, the Minister has not called for a return of Diploma certifications for Medicine and Surgery. Why is he authorizing and demanding the same from MLS?

 

Impact on the Nigerian Public's Welfare:

Compromised healthcare system: The proliferation of substandard laboratories and unqualified personnel will lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and increased mortality rates.

 

• Reduced access to quality healthcare: The restriction of MLSCN's powers will limit the availability of qualified medical laboratory scientists, exacerbating the already existing shortage.
• 
  - Economic burden: The introduction of a graduate internship program or Associate Diploma will increase unemployment and reduce the employability of MLS graduates, leading to economic hardship for families and communities.

Key Points:

 

• Opposition to Graduate Internship Programme, otherwise known as Associate Diplomas.
• Exploiting the FCMLST act to compromise the training roles of the Council (MLSCN).

- Concerns about FCMLST's exploitative tactics.

• Influence of Prof. Etukudoh's selfish agenda.
• 
  - Challenges facing the MLS profession, including oversaturation and compromised education quality.

• Our Call to action.

•  Investigate and expose the truth, resist harmful programmes, and address the influence of individuals prioritizing personal gains in Medical Laboratory Laboratory Professionals training over the best outcomes for Nigerians.

Our Requests:

• Immediate stoppage of the sales of entry forms for the Associate Diploma tagged Graduate internship.*
• A summons to the Honourable Minister of Health asking for his reasons for going contrary to the provisions of the MLSCN Act and undermining Nigerians' health*. 
• An order asking that the Honourable Minister avoid meddlesome interference in the functions of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria*.
• A call for the repeal of the recently updated Act setting up the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos.
• Terminate the Tenure of Dr Sunday Etukudoh: Dr Sunday Etukudoh's reappointment as Provost/Chief Executive Officer of FCMLST for another four-year term starting August 18, 2022, contravenes the revised Public Service Rules (PSR) 020909. This rule mandates that a director, or its equivalent, must retire after eight years in the post. Dr Etukudoh has been in office since 2008, well beyond the stipulated tenure, which has led to allegations of fraud, misuse of power, and undue political influence. We urge you to consider his immediate removal and a thorough investigation into his activities.
• Prioritization of Medical Laboratory Services in Primary Health Care Centres across Nigeria and employment of MLS and MLT to ensure regular Nigerians can get access to quality Medical Laboratory Services..

 

Conclusion:

The MLS profession in Nigeria is at a critical junction. We must protect the quality of MLS education and training and take immediate action to protect and promote the profession's integrity. By focusing on strategic improvements and resisting self-serving agendas, we can restore the glory of MLS in Nigeria and ensure the health and well-being of all Nigerians.

Your Excellency, Mr President Sir, please fight for the citizens of Nigeria and save the Medical Laboratory Science Profession in Nigeria!

Together, we can protect and advance Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria and ensure Nigerians get the best healthcare possible.

#RestoreMLS #NoToGraduateInternship 

#NoToDiplomaMLS

 #StopFCMLST #ProtectNigerianHealth #MakeMLSwork4Nigerians 

#QualityMLS4Naija

 #PromoteExcellence
 #MedicalLaboratoryScience 

#Nigeria

It is important to act now.

With over 70% of diagnostic tests performed by Medical Laboratory Professionals, it is imperative that training should not be conpromised.

 

As the ongoing Cholera epidemic reveals, deficiencies and gaps in Medical Laboratory training should not be introduced   

It is destructive to the future. Let's work together to create a better future for Medical Laboratory Practice in Nigeria; one that maximally benefits Nigerians and ensures collective health and wellbeing.