Give us Medical Lab Science Council now -GAMLS to govt

President of Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani has called on government to immediately set-up Medical Laboratory Science Council  to enhance health systems and management of the Medical lab sector. He made the call at GAMLS’ Anniversary Durbar and Annual Congress in Accra.

Member of Parliament for Daffiama Bussie-Issa Constituency Dr. Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandare has lauded the effective advocacy by the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) to set up Public Health Emergency Fund. The establishment of the PHEF would contribute to building a resilient healthcare system to cater to and support investment in health infrastructure, logistics, human resources, risk communication during outbreaks, local manufacturing of vaccines and medicine, and health research. Speaking at GAMLS’ Anniversary Durbar and Annual Congress in Accra, Dr. Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandare promised that parliament is working to finally consider the establishment of the fund to improve health interventions and healthcare outcomes.

GAMLS including Civil Society Organisations urged the government of Ghana to remain committed to its word to establish a Public Health Emergency Fund (PHEF) as indicated in the 2022-2025 National Medium Term Development Framework in readiness for future public health threats and, by extension, increase Ghana’s preparedness rating, which stood at 45. The push for establishment of the Public Health Emergency Fund by Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists has become necessary in the wake of the multiple outbreaks of diseases, including the novel coronavirus, Marburg, Monkeypox and other recurring diseases such as meningitis and influenza.

Contributing to the debate, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Director Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo in a speech read on his behalf has urged laboratory professionals to embrace modern technology to improve health outcomes. He commended GAMLS for the role the lab professionals played in the fight COVID-19, Marburg, Monkeypox.

Failing to plan for disease outbreaks costs more than having a preparedness plan in place. Hence, Ghana must prepare for and respond quickly to potential epidemics rather than waiting to act when outbreaks happen. Not preparing adequately could be dangerous for Ghana and strain an already stressed health system and economy. Preparedness requires a deliberate and concerted effort from the government and all stakeholders.

It is to be admitted lessons learnt from previous outbreaks, including that of COVID-19 pandemic, Monkeypox and Ebola Virus Disease show that countries with better preparedness suffer fewer impacts than countries that are unprepared. The impacts of disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences, including setbacks in the Sustainable Development of Goals (WHO, 2021).

Minister of Health Kwaku Agyeman-Manu says the influx of Covid-19 has prompted government to build resilient health systems including PCL tests and infrastructure. According to him, 89 hospitals under Agenda 111 programme are under construction to improve primary healthcare.

Apart from that, the Health Minister and Dormaa Central MP Agyeman-Manu has revealed effort is being made to establish Scientists Directorate at the ministry.

“We are working to retool the laboratories in the country. Let continue to partner to build resilient health systems. The issue of directorate at the Health Ministry “.