“•••• As its Chairman, Makpa urges Nasarawa govt. to invest in laboratory infrastructure
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Nasarawa State chapter, has urged the state government to invest in laboratory infrastructure to improve residents’ health outcomes.
The association’s new Chairman, MLS Dauda Stephen Makpa, made the call on Saturday in his acceptance speech following the election of new executive members in Akwanga LGA.
He said the people of the state deserve quality diagnostics, saying: “No epidemic can be controlled without a laboratory.
“No cancer is fought without a laboratory, no safe blood transfusion happens without the laboratory. The future of healthcare is diagnostic.”
The chairman described Nasarawa as strategic, a gateway to the Federal Capital Territory, rich in human and natural resources.
He, however, noted that the state’s health indices show that “there is still work to do”, particularly in ensuring quality diagnosis.
“We face familiar battles: quackery in our communities, poor laboratory infrastructure, delayed promotions, and unpaid hazard allowances.
“More importantly, we are witnessing the painful exit of our best brains in search of greener pastures.
“I will do my best to tackle quackery and ensure our people get the best laboratory services,” he assured.
Makpa also assured members and residents of improved infrastructure, mobility, medical outreach and community service, professional development, and welfare.
The new chairman urged members to continue adhering strictly to professional ethics.
While appreciating the outgoing executives for laying a solid foundation, Makpa promised to build on their achievements.
He solicited for prayers and support of members and the public to enable him discharge his responsibility digently.
Declaring the result, the Electoral Committee Chairman, MLS Agana Yusuf Timothy, commended the members for their peaceful conduct, noting that all executives emerged unopposed.
He announced that Dauda Stephen Makpa as Chairman, Yunana Angbazaga Kigbu, Vice Chairman; Regina Omoake, Secretary General; and Maris Ovey Peter, Assistant Secretary General;
Others, he said, were Abel Lamini Kati, Financial Secretary; Samson Jesse Shiktep, Publicity Secretary; Ndubuisi John Chima, Auditor; Wakili Lambo Yamusa, Treasurer and A.B Galla as Welfare Officer
In his remarks, the outgoing AMLSN Chairman, MLS Amos John, appreciated the members for the support rendered to his administration which facilitated success of his leadership.
“What we achieved was possible because of the support we enjoyed from you, and I urge you to extend similar support to the incoming executives,” John pleaded.
He also assured the new executives of his support, advice, and encouragement to succeed, while encouraging them to exhibit the spirit of teamwork to take the association to greater heights.
Also speaking, the association’s National Auditor, MLS Kyari Caleb, administered the oath of office to the new executives and urged them to abide by it.
While advising them to discharge their duties with dedication and decorum, Caleb urged them to adhere strictly to professional ethics in the interest of public health.