International laboratory auditors are in nigeria to audit laboratory facilities in the country even as the Medical Laboratory Science Council of NIgeria MLSCN has declared its determination to update the delivery of quality medical laboratory services to the citizenry by helping the sector build capacity and strengthen their qua;ity systems. The visit  of the international Lab Auditors from the African Society of Laboratory Medicine ASLM is part of the countries efforts towards standadizing laboratory services in the country.

 

Welcoming the delegation the registra/chief executive officer of the council Professor Anthony Emeribe said it was gratifying that many medical laboratory operators and facilities has begun to appreciate the efforts of the council towards bequething a culture of quality med lab services to the country.  Emeribe who further noted that more labs are now keying into the mentoring process, which could potentialy lead to their accreditation added that it was only a matter of time before others follow. The Registrar disclosed that so far, 16 out of the 23 first cohot PEPFAR supported labs in the country had been externally audited and the next round of auditing should cover the remaining seven. He therefore enjoined the facilities to continue to partner te council to fill whatever gaps exist in their processes as to prepare them for both national and international accreditation. 

 

Responding the delegates thanked the council for sustaining its partnership with ASLM. A member of the team Mr Teleri Mekonen observed the enthusiasm of the facilities audited towards improving their standards, this he said was evidence that the tools of advocacy and mentoring being deployed by the council were effective. Mekonen urged the council not to relent in its drive to transform the sector in spite of the intransigence of some deviants who would stop at nothing to scuttle even the most laudable goals