Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, has tasked the newly inducted Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) to treat samples and patients with dignity, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring patient safety and trust.
Prof. Ezemonye gave the task at the 16th Oath-taking and induction ceremony of the newly qualified graduate of MLS, held at the institution’s premises.
“My dear inductees, for years, you have been immersed in the studying of scientific principles and ethics of the profession, which involves confidentiality, integrity, accuracy and respect for persons.
“Therefore, I charge you to keep close to your chest these guiding principles to ensure high quality, unbiased patient care and avoid conflicts of interest and maintaining competence as well as treating samples and patients with dignity which is crucial for patient safety and trust”, Ezemonye said.
Ezemonye, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the institution, Ralph Adeghe, urged the inductees to focus on honing attention to details, just as he advised them to be problem-solver by embracing entrepreneurial opportunities.
Ezemonye asked them to provide solution, embrace lifelong learning and endeavour to communicate clearly, collaborate across disciplines and ensure high ethical standards and develop strong time management and always link their work to patient care to boost visibility and impact.
On the part of the Head of Department, MLS, Dr. Daniel Ugbomoiko, he asked the inductees to examine themselves and look at for where their strengths and weaknesses reside with the view of improving themselves.
For the keynote speaker, Prof. Charles Chinedum Onyenekwe, who spoke on “National Health Security: The Critical Role of the Medical Laboratory Scientists”, he said the life expectancies in Nigeria has improved compared to some years ago.
He listed factors that promote life expectancies to include improved medical knowledge, improved technology amongst others while shortage of medical personnel, “Japa” syndrome and the use of obsolete equipment reduce life expectancies.
Prof. Onyenekwe further called on the federal government to invest greatly in the Medical Laboratory Scientists due to their significant roles in the health sector.
On the part of the Acting Registrar/CEO, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr. Donald Ibe Ofili, represented by Dr. Uchuno Gregory, he admonished the inductees to stick to the ethics of the profession.
He further threatened that anyone found wanting of the ethical standards would be sanctioned.