OYSPHCB Approves Inclusion Of Medical Laboratory Scientists In LGA Primary Healthcare Teams
•By Admin
IBADAN – In a significant move to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in Oyo State, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB), Dr. Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, has approved the inclusion of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) in the Local Government Area (LGA) Primary Health Care (PHC) Management Teams.
The decision was announced on Thursday, May 8, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected State Executive Officers of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Oyo State Branch, to the OYSPHCB headquarters in Ibadan.
The AMLSN delegation, led by its State Chairman, MLS Adebola Akinbile, included State Executive Officers, Chapter Executives from the OYSPHCB Chapter, and a former AMLSN Chairman, Dr. Kehinde Adegoke. They were received by Dr. Olatunji alongside key Board officials, including the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) and the Director of Disease Control and Immunization.
Advocacy for Improved Laboratory Services During the visit, MLS Akinbile commended the OYSPHCB for its progressive policies, including the employment of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians (MLTs), recognition of the medical laboratory profession, provision of operational funds for laboratories, and overall improvement in laboratory services at the PHC level.
In his response, Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed his commitment to an inclusive and transparent primary healthcare system, stating that the inclusion of MLS professionals in LGA PHC management teams aligns with global best practices for quality assurance and integrated healthcare delivery.
“This decision underscores our dedication to building a resilient primary healthcare system that meets international standards,” he said.
“Medical laboratory services are critical to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, and their inclusion in PHC management will enhance service quality across communities.”
Call for Professional Collaboration
Dr. Olatunji urged the AMLSN leadership to foster harmonious working relationships with other healthcare professionals, emphasizing teamwork as essential for improved health outcomes at the grassroots level.
The meeting ended with mutual appreciation, as both parties pledged continued collaboration to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality in Oyo State.
This development marks a major milestone for medical laboratory professionals and reinforces the state government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare through inclusive, multidisciplinary approaches.