The 12th past President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) Dr Toyosi Raheem said for his few years of practice and position of leadership, he had raised the bar of professionalism and selfless leadership, particularly bringing the profession of Medical Laboratory Science to limelight.
He made this submission during 2022 Annual Scientific Symposium with the theme: Preparedness for Combating Pandemics: The role of Medical Laboratory Scientists;COVID 19 Experience, held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research today 16th of August,2022.
The event was also used to formally present a book published by Dr Toyosi Raheem titled “Visibility From Obscurity:Medical Laboratory Science and I”.
The book was a chronicle of his journey into the profession, the challenges and several lessons that made him an envy among other laboratory scientists.
Dr Raheem emphasized honesty in leadership,as the only way to get loyalty of followers. He said when the people trust their leaders, it is easy to walk in unity and progress is certain.
The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof Babatunde Lawal Salako in his remark emphasized the importance of Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Medical industry, especially during the period of epidemic or pandemic.
He added that,” during the period of epidemic, the laboratory is very important and whatever comes out of it must be trusted , authentic and verifiable. Those who will use the result will determine the treatment to be given to the patient. That brings us to the issue of Laboratory policy management system, so that laboratories are accredited to be able to practice. The Nigerian Laboratory Council should focus on that based on our post Covid-19 experience.”
Prof Salako said the symposium is an avenue to examine how prepared are we to combat future epidemic, and our readiness in terms of equipments and Laboratory practices.He emphasized that,” the idea is for our nation to ensure that our Laboratory is strong and well equipped to fight any pandemic in the future.”
The key note speaker at the event, Prof James Garba Damen the National President of AMLSN said ,”Medical Laboratory scientists are the practitioner and our ultimate goal is quality. We ensure that our members should be able to work according to the ethics of our profession, such that any result produced in our laboratory when tested at any laboratory outside the country , it will produce same result.”
Prof Damen emphasized that members should ensure quality that can stand the test of time in their private practice.He said,” when you provide quality service, it will help the patient to get the right treatment thereby safe lives . Our responsibility is to safe live of the people, and we must practice within the ambit of the law. “
Responding to unethical practice by some members, Prof Damen said” we have our ethics, and also Ethics and Disciplinary committee, that will discipline any member that is found wanting of unethical practice.”