GAMLS —GAR marks 2025 IFBLS Day

Honouring the backbone of healthcare: IFBLS Day 2025

The heartbeat of modern healthcare echoed loudly through the auditorium/halls of CLOGSAG —Accra as medical laboratory professionals, health authorities, researchers, students, and stakeholders gathered to commemorate the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) Day 2025. This year’s global theme, “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics,” took center stage as industry leaders advocated for structural reforms, greater investment, and recognition for the profession’s vital contributions.

Dr. Eric Kofi Aidoo’s call for sustainable laboratory systems

Delivering a stirring keynote address, Dr. Eric Kofi Aidoo, President of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS), highlighted the indispensable role of laboratory professionals in effective healthcare delivery. He underscored the critical need for a sustainable workforce and resilient infrastructure to achieve Ghana’s vision of becoming a health tourism hub.

 “Medical laboratory scientists are the backbone of our healthcare system,” Dr. Aidoo declared. “Our work saves lives, improves patient outcomes, and supports disease surveillance and outbreak response.”

Dr. Aidoo further appealed for realistic pricing and sustainable financing mechanisms, particularly advocating for the decoupling of medical laboratory charges from bundled health services. Commending President John Mahama for uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy, Dr. Aidoo urged the government to ring-fence funds for laboratory services and accelerate the creation of a Medical Laboratory Council to strengthen regulation and training.

Addressing workforce shortages and brain drain

Touching on the human resource challenges within the sector, Dr. Aidoo expressed concern over the lack of recruitment since 2020, leading to excessive workloads for practicing professionals. He warned of the rising exodus of skilled laboratory scientists to Western countries due to poor remuneration and inadequate working conditions.

 “If these issues are not tackled head-on, the interest in training as a Medical Laboratory Scientist will diminish,” he warned, stressing the implications for Ghana’s healthcare future.

Dr. Aidoo also proposed the establishment of a Ghana Medical Laboratory Science College in alignment with West African Health Organisation (WAHO) frameworks to provide specialist training and improve professional standards.

Dr. John Tosenu emphasizes visibility and education

In a separate address at the public lecture, Dr. John Tosenu, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GAMLS, welcomed attendees with a passionate tribute to the invisible heroes of the health sector.

 “Medical Laboratory Science is the invisible force driving visible change in the entire healthcare system,” he said, quoting one of several powerful statements that captured the profession’s significance.

Dr. Tosenu traced the roots of IFBLS Day, established in 1996 in Oslo, Norway, to celebrate the global contributions of biomedical scientists. He emphasized the importance of innovation, education, and a motivated workforce, while calling for procurement reform and equitable financing models to ensure sustainability in clinical testing.

A platform for policy advocacy and inspiration

The event also featured remarks from notable stakeholders:

Prof. Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Chairman of the Ghana Chapter of the West Africa Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Scientists, called for investment in infrastructure to enhance laboratory performance nationwide.

Dr. Ignatius N.A. Awinibuno, Director of Allied Health Programmes at the Ministry of Health, encouraged laboratory scientists to take leadership roles in healthcare policy and urged younger professionals to accept rural postings, citing the government’s primary healthcare initiative.

“Let us project the image of the profession and improve clinical diagnostics in Ghana and beyond,” Dr. Awinibuno said, reinforcing the importance of self-belief and professional visibility.

A shared commitment to change

As the celebration came to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. The public lecture and commemorative activities not only honored the quiet diligence of biomedical laboratory scientists but also served as a platform for advocacy, policy engagement, and community education.

With consistent calls for structural reform, sustainable financing, enhanced regulation, and workforce development, IFBLS Day 2025 became more than just a celebration — it became a rallying cry for transformation in Ghana’s healthcare system.

 “Long live GAMLS, long live Ghana.” The words rang with renewed hope, echoing the sentiment that sustainable diagnostics is not just a vision — it’s a necessity.