Let’s promote partnerships for long-term capacity and resilience -Prof. Opintan
2025 Annual National Congress of GAMLS
Theme: “Enhancing Laboratory Resilience: Combatting Emerging Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance through Emerging Technologies, Collaboration and Research”
Keynote Address by: Prof. Japheth A. Opintan
Head, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School
Opening and Acknowledgements
The 2025 Annual National Congress of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) convened under the theme “Enhancing Laboratory Resilience: Combatting Emerging Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance through Emerging Technologies, Collaboration and Research.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Japheth A. Opintan, Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, expressed profound gratitude to the National Executive Council of GAMLS for the invitation. He acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, including Mr. Chairman, Yoo Naa Yakubu Andani Abdulai, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, directors of ministries, professional council heads, partners, and the media.
Understanding the Theme: Beyond the Buzzwords
Prof. Opintan began by unpacking the rich and layered theme, emphasizing that “Laboratory Resilience” is not just a buzzword but a cornerstone of global health security. According to him, resilient laboratories form the bedrock for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and are pivotal in tackling both existing and emerging infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
He linked the congress theme to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3c, which calls for “substantial increases in health financing, and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.”
Workforce as the Foundation of Resilience
Focusing on workforce development, Prof. Opintan highlighted the indispensable role of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) in achieving UHC. Their functions — spanning diagnostics, treatment monitoring, quality control, research, surveillance, and education — make them central to any resilient health system.
He cautioned, however, that burnout and mental health challenges threaten the effectiveness of the laboratory workforce. Drawing parallels from the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science, he noted that understaffing, constant training pressures, and complex scheduling contribute to mental fatigue among professionals.
He posed a critical question to GAMLS:
“Can we conduct similar research to determine the mental health status of our members — and how can that improve our collective resilience?”
The Numbers Behind the Challenge
Prof. Opintan referenced data from the Global Health Workforce Database, revealing the following figures for Ghana’s medical and pathological laboratory scientists:
| Year | Recorded Workforce |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,680 |
| 2022 | 4,227 |
| 2021 | 1,759 |
| 2018 | 1,563 |
According to the Allied Health Professions Council, there are about 8,500 registered Medical Laboratory Scientists. However, not all are in active service. With Ghana’s population nearing 34 million, this means one laboratory scientist serves approximately 4,000 people — a worrying ratio that contributes to burnout and inefficiencies.
He urged national stakeholders to act on SDG 3c’s call for increased recruitment, training, and retention of the health workforce.
“A burnt-out medical laboratory scientist means a sick country,” he warned.
Financing and Emerging Technologies
The second major pillar of the address focused on health financing and technology. Prof. Opintan underscored the importance of investing in emerging technologies that improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce turnaround times, and ease workload pressures.
He asked pointedly:
“Are we substantially increasing our health financing in laboratory capacity and infrastructure using information technology?”
Referencing the Global Fund’s 2024 investment — over $294 million in laboratory and diagnostic expansion, plus $200 million in surveillance systems — he questioned Ghana’s participation and the extent to which GAMLS and national laboratories benefitted from such global partnerships.
Building Resilience: Strategies and Solutions
Drawing inspiration from Marionette Yvonne Agatep-Cortez of the Columbus Regional Health System, Indiana, Prof. Opintan outlined practical strategies for enhancing laboratory resilience.
1. Addressing Workload and Understaffing
- Leverage Emerging Technology: Use laboratory management software to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Prioritize Tasks: Set realistic goals and clear priorities.
- Encourage Teamwork: Foster collaboration and a supportive environment.
- Advocate for Adequate Staffing: Push for recruitment and professional development opportunities.
2. Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout
- Prioritize Self-Care: Promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Foster Recognition: Create a culture of appreciation and motivation.
- Mentorship and Peer Support: Build “communities of practice” that encourage knowledge sharing and mentorship.
3. Tackling Scheduling Challenges
- Implement Scheduling Software: Use technology to optimize staff rotation.
- Leverage Data: Use historical workload data to predict demand and allocate resources.
- Encourage Communication: Involve staff in developing practical scheduling solutions.
The Way Forward: Partnerships, Research, and Innovation
Prof. Opintan emphasized that GAMLS must seize opportunities to build public-private partnerships and attract international collaborations. A resilient laboratory system, he said, depends on the ability to innovate, automate, and sustain laboratory operations, especially when faced with pandemics and AMR threats.
He urged that congresses such as this one serve as platforms for dialogue and collaboration, where industry players share insights and co-create solutions for a stronger laboratory ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Concluding his keynote, Prof. Opintan quoted the BioPREVAIL Initiative (Biological Preparedness & Resilience through Evolution and Innovation of Laboratories):
“For too long, too little has been done.”
He challenged GAMLS members to reflect on three critical questions:
- How can we collectively tackle laboratory resilience with measurable, innovative outcomes?
- How can we build interdisciplinary solutions for safer, more sustainable laboratories?
- How can we promote partnerships that ensure long-term capacity and resilience?
Prof. Opintan ended with a powerful reminder:
“In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, resilience isn’t just a quality — it’s the power to bounce forward through any challenge. As Medical Laboratory Scientists, let’s abide by the high-quality standards set by our profession.”
He then thanked the audience for their attention, marking a memorable and thought-provoking opening to the 2025 Annual National Congress of GAMLS.
