From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) has sealed 34 laboratories in Osun State and arrested three others for operating below the minimum standard required to guarantee quality medical laboratory results.
The inspection team led by the Head of Inspection unit MLSCN, James Ogbeche, told newsmen at a press conference in Osogbo on Friday, that the arrested lab scientists were operating illegally.
Ogbeche disclosed that 71 medical laboratories were inspected by the team during its 5-day inspection across the state out of which four were closed and three arrested for operating in a manner that poses risk to human health.
He disclosed that 31 laboratories meet up with the requirement to practice, noting that two medical laboratories denied the team access to their facilities.
He vowed that the council would pursue the prosecution of the arrested culprits and monitor the sealed ones to ensure that they did not open back illegally.
Ogbeche stated that the team had combed the nooks and crannies of the state “to ensure that medical laboratory facilities in the state are fit for purpose and operating according to high ethical standards, which MLSCN considers to be sacrosanct.”
“The team has visited various towns in the State, including Osogbo, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ilesha, Ijebu-Ijesha, Ife, Modakeke, Ede etc,” he added.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, appreciated the team for their efforts to ensure the safety of the people, warning those that are still operating illegal laboratories to desist before they are caught.