WAPGCMLS: Nigeria Spends 8 billion Annually to Important Vaccines from USA, European Countries
By Towncriernews
The West African Postgraduate College of Medical Science, have disclosed that Nigeria spends about N8 billion annually to import vaccines from United States of America and Europe.
Secretary General/Registrar of the College, Dr. Godswill Okara who made the disclosure at the 4th Induction/Oath-taking ceremony of newly qualified Medical Laboratory Science graduates from Edo State University, Uzairue, on Wednesday, emphasised the crucial role medical laboratory scientists play in the fight against diseases and protection of human health.
He noted that medical laboratory scientists are at the heart of accurate diagnosis of disease, monitoring of treatment and management of patients, prevention, surveillance and control of diseases locally and globally.
Okara therefore, urged practitioners in Nigeria to take charge of producing human vaccines and biologicals domestically and appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize laboratory systems by developing a national laboratory policy and implementing a national strategic laboratory plan.
On his part Prof. Dawood Egbefo, Acting Vice Chancellor, Edo State University, Uzairue reminded the graduates of their responsibilities as laboratory scientists, including performing diagnostic tests and ensuring accuracy.
Also, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, Registrar/CEO of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), emphasised adhering to professional conduct guidelines, while Dr. Innocent Iyare advised inductees to be worthy ambassadors of the institution.
