AMLSN Elects Isichei Michael In Delta, Urges Oborevwori To Establish Laboratory Services Directorate
By GEORGETTE CHIDI
THE Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Delta State Branch, has elected a new executive led by Mr. Isichei Michael as State Chairman. The election, held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, over the weekend, ushers in a new phase for the association.
Following the election, the immediate past State Chairman, Dr. Bini Nathaniel, expressed confidence in the incoming leadership. He said the mentorship training undertaken by the new executive would equip its members with the knowledge and experience needed to advance the association’s objectives.
According to Nathaniel, the new administration must prioritise professional competence, efficiency and improved laboratory practice. He also urged the executive to build on previous achievements while pursuing reforms that would strengthen the profession.
Beyond the leadership transition, the former chairman appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to establish a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services in Delta State. He argued that the proposed directorate would strengthen professional oversight, curb quackery and protect residents from unsafe laboratory practices.
Moreover, Nathaniel said the directorate would give medical laboratory scientists better representation in government health programmes and agencies. He maintained that formal recognition of the profession within the state’s health administration would support professional development and improve healthcare delivery.
Similarly, a former Delta State AMLSN chairman and Senior Lecturer at the University of Delta, Agbor, advised the incoming executive to embrace consultation and draw on the experience of past leaders. He also assured the new team of the support of former executives, stressing that cooperation would be vital to the association’s progress.
In his acceptance remarks, Michael thanked God for his election and called on members to contribute their ideas, experience and professional connections. He pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations while pursuing outstanding objectives.
Among his priorities, Michael identified the establishment of a directory of medical laboratory services in Delta State. He also urged the state government to give the profession greater attention, warning that inadequate recognition and support could undermine the sector’s contribution to healthcare.
Furthermore, the new chairman promised to revive the association’s Annual General Meeting, which he said had not held for a long time. He also committed to promoting unity and stronger cooperation among members.
To strengthen professional standards, Michael called for closer collaboration with the state government, the Ministry of Health, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria and other relevant agencies. He said such partnerships would help improve quality control and eliminate quackery.
The new administration, he added, would work to ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals practised medical laboratory science. Ultimately, the association hopes that stronger regulation and improved professional coordination will enhance the reliability of laboratory results and protect patients from inaccurate diagnoses, unsafe practices and avoidable harm.
