BY BERNADETTE IDALU
BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has called on the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) to deepen research and channel scientific findings towards strengthening public health, including the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing company in the state.
Idahosa, who made the call when he received members of the Edo State Chapter of AMLSN on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City, said Nigeria’s absence of a vaccine production facility was disturbing.
“As we speak, we still do not have a vaccine manufacturing company or industry in the whole of Nigeria. That, to me, is worrisome. This is the heartbeat of the nation. I think we should roll up our sleeves and do what other states have not done before. Let Edo be the beginner,” he stated.
The deputy governor, who received the group on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, commended medical laboratory scientists for their contributions to the state’s health delivery system.
Recalling the SHINE Agenda of the present administration, Idahosa noted that after security, health remains the second priority of government.
“We are laying so much emphasis on health. Edo State is going to be happy with what we are going to do with the health sector,” he assured.
He further pledged government’s collaboration with experts in the health sector to address challenges raised by AMLSN, adding that interventions would be tailored to ease the burden of practitioners.
Earlier, the Edo State Chairman of AMLSN, Dr. Ekhaguere Ehigie, congratulated the state government on its electoral victories and highlighted challenges confronting laboratory practice in Nigeria.
Ehigie called for the establishment of modern molecular laboratories and the application of nanotechnology to enhance disease diagnosis, ensure accurate laboratory results, and improve monitoring and surveillance of public health.
