- Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, described the proposed changes as “a disguised regression rather than genuine reform”
- “This bill does not advance reform; it risks destabilization and contradicts scientific principles
- The association also raised objections to provisions in HB:2695, which seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has expressed deep concern over a contentious bill currently before the National Assembly, cautioning that its approval could destabilize the country’s healthcare system, jeopardize patient safety, and spark renewed inter-professional disputes.
Eko Hot Blog exclusively report that the legislation, known as Executive Bill HB:2701, along with a corresponding Senate proposal, aims to amend significant sections of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act, particularly Sections 3 and 29, which outline the council’s governance framework and define the scope of laboratory science practice in Nigeria.
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Speaking to reporters in Abuja, AMLSN National President, Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, described the proposed changes as “a disguised regression rather than genuine reform” and warned that they are “inconsistent with international best practices and detrimental to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”
“This bill does not advance reform; it risks destabilization and contradicts scientific principles and global standards,” Ifeanyi emphasized.
A central point of contention is the proposed overhaul of the MLSCN governing board. Currently, the council’s leadership structure prioritizes professional expertise to ensure proper oversight of laboratory practices.
The amendment, however, would broaden board membership to include non-specialists and increase the influence of political appointees, raising concerns over potential erosion of professional autonomy and regulatory integrity.
“A regulatory system led by political interests rather than technical competence is not reform, it is institutional sabotage. Leadership in laboratory science must remain rooted in scientific expertise,” Ifeanyi asserted.
The AMLSN also criticized the bill’s proposal to remove the requirement that the council’s chairman be a Fellow of the profession, labeling it a “critical weakness” that could allow non-experts to influence vital areas of healthcare oversight.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in MLSCN’s governance structure was described as a breach of globally recognized principles of independent professional regulation.
“Collaboration should not be mistaken for co-governance. What is proposed constitutes professional encroachment, not synergy,” Ifeanyi said.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and South Africa maintain clear separations between regulatory bodies, with coordination occurring at the clinical level rather than in governance.
Another issue highlighted by AMLSN concerns Section 29, which broadly defines laboratory science but restricts practitioners’ involvement in diagnosis. According to Ifeanyi, this contradicts scientific evidence, noting that laboratory results form the basis for the majority of clinical decisions.
“Over 70% of clinical decisions rely on laboratory data. Preventing laboratory scientists from participating in diagnostics severs evidence from those trained to interpret it, institutionalizing confusion,” he explained.
The association also raised objections to provisions in HB:2695, which seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act. AMLSN argues that this attempt would subsume core laboratory functions, including molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, and assisted reproductive technologies, under medical practice, a move Ifeanyi described as “covert legislative overreach” that could threaten patient care.
The current MLSCN Act (Cap M25, 2004) has been reinforced through more than 22 judgments in the National Industrial Court, creating a solid legal precedent. Experts warn that modifying the law without careful alignment could result in regulatory conflicts and legal uncertainty.
AMLSN also highlighted that the proposed amendments may undermine compliance with international standards, such as ISO 15189:2022, which governs quality and competence in medical laboratories worldwide.
Laboratory services are essential to Nigeria’s healthcare system, supporting disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. Globally, laboratory diagnostics influence 60–70% of clinical decisions, making strong regulatory oversight crucial.
In recent years, Nigeria has expanded laboratory capacity in response to outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19, investing in diagnostic accuracy and global health security. Analysts caution that weakening governance now could reverse these advances.
AMLSN urged President Bola Tinubu and National Assembly leaders to pause the legislative process and engage in wider stakeholder consultation.
“This is not about professional rivalry; it is about safeguarding patients and protecting a vital component of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Decisions must be evidence-driven, not expedient,” Ifeanyi concluded.
He stressed that meaningful reform should adhere to scientific evidence, global norms, and existing legal structures. “Any deviation that lowers standards is not progress, it exposes citizens to risk,” he warned.
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