The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has expressed strong opposition to a proposed bill before the National Assembly, cautioning that it could weaken the country’s healthcare system and put patients at risk.
The bill, known as Executive Bill HB:2701, along with a similar Senate version, aims to amend parts of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act, especially sections that deal with how the profession is governed and regulated.
Speaking in Abuja, AMLSN President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, criticised the proposal, describing it as a step backward rather than progress. He said the changes do not align with global standards and could negatively affect healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
A key issue raised by the association is the planned restructuring of the MLSCN governing board. The proposed amendment would allow more non-professionals and political appointees into the council, a move the group says could weaken professional control and reduce standards.
Ifeanyi warned that allowing politics to influence a technical field like laboratory science could damage the system. He also opposed the removal of the requirement that the council’s chairman must be a Fellow of the profession, noting that it could open the door for unqualified leadership.
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The association further rejected plans to include the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria on the MLSCN board, arguing that regulatory bodies should remain independent, in line with international practice.
Another concern is a section of the bill that defines laboratory science broadly but limits the role of laboratory scientists in diagnosis. Ifeanyi noted that most medical decisions rely on laboratory results, making such a restriction unrealistic.
The AMLSN also criticised a related bill, HB:2695, which seeks to place key laboratory functions such as genetic testing and molecular diagnostics under medical practice. The group warned that this could disrupt specialised services and affect patient care.
According to the association, the current MLSCN Act has been supported by several court rulings, and any changes not properly aligned could create legal and regulatory confusion.
They added that the proposed amendments may also affect Nigeria’s ability to meet international laboratory standards, stressing that laboratory services remain essential for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment across the country.
