Medical Lab Scientists Oppose Health Reform Bills, Citing Patient Safety Risks
Medical laboratory professionals in Nigeria have voiced strong opposition to proposed health reform legislation currently before the National Assembly, cautioning that the bills could weaken the country's healthcare system and endanger patient safety. The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria raised the alarm on Saturday, describing the proposed amendments as a threat to professional standards and effective healthcare delivery.
Criticism of Proposed Legislative Changes
At a media briefing in Abuja, AMLSN President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, criticised the Executive Bill HB:2701 and its Senate counterpart, both of which seek to revise sections of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act. According to him, the proposed changes—particularly those affecting Sections 3 and 29—could disrupt the governance structure of laboratory science and blur the professional boundaries that ensure quality healthcare services.
"This is not genuine reform but a step backwards," Ifeanyi said, warning that the bill fails to align with internationally accepted practices and could negatively impact patient care.
Concerns Over Governance and Professional Independence
A major point of contention is the suggested restructuring of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, the body responsible for overseeing laboratory science practice in the country. Under the existing law, professionals dominate the council's leadership to ensure technical expertise guides decision-making. However, the amendment proposes expanding membership to include non-specialists and increasing political representation.
The AMLSN argues that such changes could undermine the council's independence and reduce the quality of regulatory oversight. Ifeanyi also criticised the proposal to remove the requirement that the council chairman must be a Fellow of the profession, describing it as a move that could allow individuals without the necessary expertise to lead critical healthcare institutions.
Dispute Over Role of Medical and Dental Council
The association further expressed concern over plans to include the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in the MLSCN governing board. According to AMLSN, this approach contradicts global standards, where professional regulatory bodies operate independently while collaborating at the clinical level rather than through shared governance.
"What is being proposed goes beyond collaboration—it risks undermining the autonomy of laboratory science as a profession," Ifeanyi stated.
Diagnostic Role and Section 29 Controversy
Another critical issue raised relates to Section 29 of the bill, which broadly defines medical laboratory science but appears to limit the role of laboratory scientists in diagnosis. The AMLSN maintains that this contradicts medical realities, noting that laboratory results form the basis of most clinical decisions.
"Laboratory data drives the majority of diagnoses. Separating scientists from this process creates confusion and weakens accountability," Ifeanyi explained.
Concerns Over Expanded Medical Practice Bill
The group also criticised a related bill, HB:2695, which seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act. The association alleges that the bill attempts to transfer key laboratory functions—such as molecular diagnostics and genetic testing—into the domain of medical practice. This, according to AMLSN, could dilute specialised expertise and negatively affect patient outcomes.
Legal and Global Standards at Stake
Experts have warned that altering the current MLSCN Act—already backed by multiple rulings of the National Industrial Court—could lead to legal conflicts and regulatory uncertainty within the healthcare sector. The association also cautioned that the proposed changes may hinder Nigeria's compliance with international standards like ISO 15189:2022, which governs laboratory competence and quality management globally.
Call for Immediate Suspension of Legislative Process
The AMLSN has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lawmakers to suspend further action on the bills and engage stakeholders in broader consultations. According to the association, any reform of the healthcare system must prioritise scientific evidence, professional integrity, and patient safety.
"This is beyond professional interests—it is about protecting lives and maintaining standards in Nigeria's healthcare system," Ifeanyi said. He stressed that reforms not grounded in global best practices could reverse recent gains made in strengthening the country's diagnostic capacity, especially following public health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
