PREAMBLE: A major strategy adopted by the present NEOs is the work behind the scenes and allow the results to be seen by all. Pursuant to this, the NEOs having been briefed on the issues around medical laboratory services and medical laboratory professionals decided to embark on an advocacy visit to no other than the echelon leadership of the Nigerian Police Force.

 

THE CALL AND THE PRAYERS: The pragmatic AMLSN President, Alh Toyosi Raheem led the NEOs and some stakeholders in the profession to pay an advocacy visit to the IGP, Solomon Arase and AIGP (Medicals), Kaumi Ahmadu at the Police Headquarters, Edet House, Abuja.

 

The visit could not hold on the day arranged due to the heavy engagements of the IGP, yet the resilient leadership of AMLSN remained undaunted and waited several days upon the resolve the see the police boss. This was possible on the 26th May, 2016 by4.35pm after the initial 10.00am scheduled time got suffocated in the schedules of the IGP at the National Assembly. At the visit, the National President raised the following points:

1. He commended the IGP for granting the association time to see him. He also appreciate the effort of the Chief Kop in repositioning the health services within the rank and file of the Police Force.

2. He appraised the lab services in the Police Force and Nigeria as a whole.

3. He called for upgrading the laboratory department to having adequate space and safety of personnel.

4. He called for the provision of modern equipment and retainership of equipment service contract with reputable Biomedical Engineering Company to prolong the life of such equipment and prevent equipment down time.

5. He harped on the need for upgrading of hospitals/clinics to 5 star rating in line with the expectation of SLIPTA/WHO accreditation checklist for medical laboratories.

6. He made a special case for the employment and rightful placement of Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Police force.

7. He called for the implementation of the Enhanced Entry Point as it affects Medical Laboratory Scientists

8. He regretted the practice of employing Medical Laboratory Scientists only as casual staff in the police health facilities and called for its stoppage.

9. He called for upgrading of the Forensic Laboratory of the Nigerian Police

 

RESPONSE OF THE IGP

 

In his response, the IGP commended AMLSN for the honour to his office and apologized that the leadership of AMLSN had to wait for days before seeing him, pleading for understanding as other state matters took him out of town.

He clearly remarked that the Police force under his leadership was giving attention to the police medical team which MLS was a key member. This he said he did recently by proper placement of those who were short changed in their earlier promotions, most of whom were from the medical team.

 

He noted with emphasis that the directive as contained in the document of the EEP which has been amplified by AMLSN in the cause of the visit would receive immediate implementation in the Police Force. He further stressed that the issue of continuous professional development of MLS through workshop attendance would henceforth receive a prime place. He also promised to look into the issue of accreditation of all medical laboratories in the Police Force in line with global standards. On employment of MLS to man medical laboratories in the Force, he said the lab along other health professionals have been identified as needed man power refill which he was working on. He particularly made it clear that they were in search of partnership for their Forensic Laboratories for optimum productivity

 

CALL ON AIGP (MEDICALS)

The AMLSN team later met with AIGP (Medicals) Kaumi Ahmadu and CP Wilson Akhiwu (Pathologist in-Charge of Forensic Laboratory). The meeting was to call on the stakeholders in the police Medical Services to ensure professionalism and fairness in the administration of the police medical services.

The advocacy visit came to an end with the exchange of gifts by the parties at about 6:20pm.

 

Members are with this information directed to apply for the ongoing police recruitment as AMLSN leadership under Alh TY Raheem will continue to explore opportunities that will improve on our practice, increase employment of MLS and project the profession in good light.