Reforms in Nigeria: Medical Laboratory Science regulation
Medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria, led by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), have rejected proposed health reform bills before the National Assembly, warning that the changes could weaken professional regulation and endanger patient safety. The group argues that amendments to the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act would reduce the role of qualified professionals in governance, increase political influence, and blur established boundaries between medical and laboratory practice. They also raised concerns that limiting laboratory scientists’ role in diagnosis and transferring specialized functions to other professions could undermine care quality and create regulatory confusion. The association is calling for the legislative process to be halted and for broader stakeholder consultation, emphasizing that reforms should align with scientific standards and international best practices to protect patients and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system.