Reps Committee Urges Lab Council to Address Influx of Substandard Equipment
The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has highlighted an urgent need to prevent the country from becoming a destination for inferior laboratory equipment, warning that such negligence could lead to critical diagnostic errors.
The Committee has called on the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to take action against the influx of substandard laboratory equipment and to ensure compliance with global quality standards.
This effort aims to guarantee that test results from Nigerian laboratories are recognized and accepted internationally.
During a recent oversight visit to the MLSCN headquarters in Abuja, the House of Representatives Committee members stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of laboratory results, which are essential for accurate disease diagnosis and must adhere to global acceptance standards.
Chairman of the Committee, Amos Magaji, emphasized the MLSCN’s role in accrediting laboratory equipment, asserting that any imported equipment must meet international standards.
He noted the critical nature of this requirement, as physicians rely on accurate lab results for treatment; inaccuracies could lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate medical care.
Magaji stated, “Medical lab results from Nigeria should be globally accepted. If a sample is analyzed here, the results should be consistent with those conducted elsewhere, ensuring credibility.”
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He expressed concern about the trend of Nigerians seeking medical check-ups abroad, underscoring the need for reliable lab results from Nigerian facilities.
“We do not want Nigeria to become a dumping ground for substandard lab equipment, as this can lead to significant diagnostic errors.
The MLSCN is tasked with the responsibility of accrediting laboratory equipment, and any imported equipment must be certified to meet international standards—critical for effective medical treatment,” he added.
He further asserted the necessity of employing high-quality equipment in tandem with advancing medical practices to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Magaji also urged the Council to implement rigorous testing of reagents used in laboratories across the nation.
Highlighting the issue of medical tourism, he pointed out that many Nigerians seek treatment abroad due to a lack of trust in the national healthcare system, often stemming from fears of medical errors and unreliable test results.
He implored the Council to commit to its mandate and enhance the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.
