The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, had challenged stakeholders in the health sector to take it as a duty more than ever before the recovery and growth of the health sector.
Dr Erhabor, inducting 38 medical laboratory science graduates of the University of Ibadan into the medical laboratory profession in Ibadan at the College of Medicine of the University, said rather than apportioning blame, it is time for stakeholders to work together to rejuvenate and stabilise the health system.
According to him, the recent challenges the sector faces, including continued medical tourism and billions of dollars leaving Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserve, are an indictment and a sad commentary on the health system.
The Registrar, represented by the Director of Medical Laboratory Scientists Regulation and Discipline, Dr Greg Salawu, in his charge to the inductees, urged them to brace up for the higher responsibilities soon to be entrusted to them, as the days of flimsy excuses for misdemeanours are effectively over.
“MLSCN has zero tolerance for unethical practices. Any breach of the professional guidelines, including presenting yourself for NYSC deployment without completing the internship programme and securing your practice license, will attract sanctions.”
Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Yinka Omigbodun, urged the inductees to use their new freedom to love, serve, and seek the best for each other, their profession, family, community, and nation.
“Embrace your freedom, but remember that it comes with responsibility. God has called you to be free, but that is not an excuse to serve yourself, serve others with love and integrity, serve your nation, and go out with a sense of service.
The Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, who Professor Michael Okunlola represented, said the field of medical laboratory science is not merely a profession but a calling and asked that they never lose sight of the privilege and responsibility inherent in the profession but strive for excellence, guided by the principles of integrity, compassion, and humility.
Earlier, the acting head of the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Dr Olayinka Omotosho announced that two of the inductees achieved first-class honours and urged the graduands to continue to uphold the values of excellence and innovation instilled in them at the university and go forth with confidence to make a difference in the world.
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