The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring reliable test results and safeguarding patient safety across the country.

The council emphasized that accurate diagnostics are the cornerstone of effective healthcare, enabling early disease detection and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.

In a concerted effort to combat quackery and uphold professional standards, the MLSCN has ramped up its regulatory activities. Over a one-year period, the council inspected 103 new laboratories, sealed 23 others, and arrested six quacks. These actions are part of the council’s core mandate to ensure that all medical laboratories meet pre-approval requirements and adhere to standard practices.

A key pillar of this quality drive is the push for international accreditation. The MLSCN has been encouraging medical laboratories to embrace the ISO 15189:2022 accreditation, which provides a framework to ensure quality and competence.

The Acting Registrar of the council, Dr. Donald Ofili, has called on all facilities to make quality their watchword. Achieving this standard allows laboratories to demonstrate their reliability and professionalism in delivering accurate and trustworthy test results.

Furthermore, the council has been working to strengthen the overall diagnostic system through initiatives like the National Quality Management System policy and mandatory participation in External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs. The re-accreditation of the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) to ISO 17043:2010 is a significant milestone, enhancing the quality and reliability of laboratory results across the nation.

This accomplishment not only improves result quality but also enhances patient safety and strengthens Nigeria’s overall health system.

By enforcing strict standards and promoting a culture of quality, the MLSCN is working to ensure that Nigerians can have confidence in their medical diagnoses, ultimately leading to better patient care and improved public health outcomes.

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