Kogi State Government has inaugurated the State Laboratory Technical Working Group with a charge to members to change the narratives of medical laboratory practices.
State Commissioner of Health, Doctor Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza gave the charge in a message at the Inauguration of the technical group in Lokoja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Momoh Steven, the Commissioner said the Committee is expected to put their professional expertise to bear by improving on the quality of medical laboratory services across the State.
He called for collaboration among relevant stakeholders in the sector for provision and management of data, accurate/reliable diagnosis and implementation of laboratory quality management system in conformity with ISO 15189: 2022.
The Commissioner pledged Government support to the group in achieving set goals.
In his remark, the Representative of the Federal Military of Health, Mr. Francis Ibeke said the inauguration of the group in Kogi State is a welcome development.
In his address, the Chairman of the technical working group, Mr. Aaron Ayodele said the task before the committee is quite enormous but assured the Government that with composition of competent health professionals, the group will deliver on its mandate.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the technical working group and State Chairman of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria, AMLSN, Comrade Obajemu Samuel said the constitution of the group is key to checkmating quackery, and promotion of evidence based medical laboratory services. He expressed appreciation to the Government for taking the step to do the needful.
Other members of the Kogi State Laboratory Technical Working Group, LTWG, include: Mr. Oloke, Dr. Muazu E.D. Pharm Tukura, Mr. Akubo Andrew, Dr. Cyril Agu, Dr Ake Oluwarotimi Stephen, Mr. John Onuche, Mrs Salaudeen Haleemat, Dr. Akpata, Mallam Aminu Opisa, Mrs. Musa Juwaretu, Mr. Ahmed Jimoh and Mr. Attah Idakwo Onoja.
It would be recalled that the inaugural meeting of the Kogi State Laboratory Technical Working Group (LTWG) is part of the ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (specifically the Medical Laboratory Services Division, Department of Hospital Services) to strengthen the coordination, governance, and quality of medical laboratory services in the state.
The Laboratory Technical Working Group (LTWG) is established to provide technical guidance and oversight functions for the implementation of the National Medical Laboratory Services Policy, support harmonization of laboratory networks, and promote quality management systems across all tiers of healthcare delivery in Kogi State.
Key thematic subcommittees to drive implementation include:
- Laboratory governance, policy and regulation
- Laboratory quality management systems and accreditation
- Diagnostic network optimization and infrastructure
- Supply chain and commodity management
- Laboratory workforce development and training
- Laboratory data management and information systems
- Biosafety, biosecurity and infection prevention and control.
