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Highlights of the National Executive Officers’ Meeting held on January 11, 2020 at Osborn Lapalm Hotel, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

1. The 14th Annual Public Health Lecture series 2020 and National Executive Council Meeting:

• Hosting Branch: Lagos State
• Friday, February 21, 2020: Public Health Lecture/ National Induction of Fellows
• Saturday, February 22, 2020: Regional Investiture of Fellows/NEC Meeting
• Sunday, February 23, 2020: Post Investiture and Faculty Meetings
• Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

• Themes:

a) Enterprise Opportunities: National Health & Economy.

Dr. Dare Victor.
GMD
Betterways Group

b) Building young Entrepreneurs: Challenges and Opportunities.

Folasade ODUNAIYA
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
FMS Building, 25/27 Udo Wogu Drive, Chevyview Estate
Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

c) Health Enterprise and Development Economy.

Abimbola Adebakin
CEO
Advantage Health Africa,
12b, Stella Osholanke Street,
Off Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos

2. Workshop for officers on the Directorate cadre (Phase II) 2020

a. The objectives of this workshop are; to update knowledge and competences of officers on contemporary national and global issues necessary for fostering delivery of quality and efficient service, to reinvigorate and revitalize efforts at enhancing performance management which will transform the service in the hospital from an in-put/out-put process system to a result oriented performance system and to change operational modes and produce new generation of managers who are courteous, friendly, receptive, effective, efficient and deliver quality service.

b. The scope of the training shall include public service rules, administrative structures, basic and effective communication in the public service, Human Resource Management, Public Service Reforms, Customer Service (Servicom), Pensions administration/Management and Implementation of Government/AMLSN policies and directives in the work place.

c. The training is expected to take place from March 23 to 27, 2020 (5 days)

3. Annual Scientific Conference/General Meeting (2020)

• Hosting Branch: Ebonyi State

• Sunday, September 20, 2020: Arrival of Participants
a. Arrival of Participants.

• Monday, September 21, 2020:
a. Collection of conference materials
b. Meetings: YMLSF, GMLDs, AFMLSN etc.
c. Panel Session 1
d. Panel Session 2

• Tuesday, September 22, 2020:
a. Panel Session 3
b. Panel Session 4
c. Opening Ceremony
d. Tour of Exhibition

• Wednesday, September 23, 2020:
a. Oral Poster Sessions
b. Concurrent Scientific Sessions
• Thursday, September 24, 2020:
a. AGM
b. Meritorous Service Awards
i. Governor
ii. Medical Laboratory Scientists

• Friday, September 25, 2020: Departure

4. Review of Challenges in Tertiary Health Institutions:

In total, Chairmen and Secretaries from twenty-two (22) teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres were in attendance. Issues relating to None recruitment of MLS over several years, none promotion, demotion, reassignment, dichotomy, operational of illegal side laboratories, illegal public private partnership etc. were collated by facility. The National Executive Officers are expected to collate these issues and interface with the President of the Federal Republic through a high powered petition to be raised by our attorney.

5. Partnership with Joint Commission International

Joint Commission International (JCI) works to improve patient safety and quality of health care in the international community by offering education, publications, advisory services and international accreditation and certification. In more than 100 countries, JCI partners with hospitals, clinics, and academic medical centers; health systems and agencies; government ministries; academia; and international advocates to promote rigorous standards of care and to provide solutions for achieving peak performance. In this regards NEOs considered and approved to conduct training of Assessors who will be involved in JCI activities locally and internationally.

6. Hosting right for NEC meeting for 2nd & 3rd quarters.

Based on the distributions of previous meeting NEOs approved the ceding the hosting right to North Central and North West.
May Meeting: Benue state
• July Meeting: Zamfara state

7. NEO reviewed the Performance of Journal of Medical Laboratory Science.

The JOMLS is fully operational, articles are published quarterly. It was agreed that modalities will be put in place for the production and distribution of hard copies of the journals to deserving institutions. Due to the high quality of some articles, the journal is now receiving more citations in other international high impact journals. Members are encouraged to visit the site to view current publications and submit articles {http://jomls.org}

8. NEO also received and reviewed reports on the progress of work of the following issues:

a. The proposed Directorate Structure for Medical Laboratory Services at the FMOH
b. The ongoing review of Scheme of Service for Medical laboratory scientists.
c. National Post Graduate College of Medical Laboratory Science.
d. Proposed Federal Medical Centre Bill, 2020.
e. The progress of work on National Secretariat Building project.
f. Review of AMLSN Court cases – nineteen judgements have been obtained in favour of AMLSN and four are pending in the court of appeal, Abuja Division.
g. Status of registration of BOT with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
h. 2020 AMLSN Budget: This budget was presented to NEO for approval and onward transmission to National Executive Council for rectification.

9. Medical Laboratory Scientists Leadership certificate Programme by Rova College 2020

NEO considered and approved the leadership training to be organized, targeting Chapter Chairmen & Secretaries, Leadership of YMLSF, GMLDs. The main objective of the training/workshop is to improve the quality of service delivery of AMLSN members and to add value to the service, wherever they function. It will equally prepare participants to respond to challenges encountered in the course of providing leadership at the various level levels.

The topics to be considered are as follows:
a. Wining in the new Realities
b. Beyond the Big Idea Strategy
c. Medical laboratory Business Model Innovation
d. Grant for Research, Learning and Change Economics, Innovation, opportunities & Funding Initiatives
e. Ensuring the Future
f. Meta-Leadership
g. The Healthcare Executives Inspiring Actionable Ideas
h. The Turf wars (Competition for the right to perform)
i. Recognition of YMLSF and supporting their annual conferences

• Arrival June 17, 2020
• Training June 18 to 20, 2020 (3 days]
• Departure June 21, 2020

10. Application for recognition as subgroups

NEOs received and reviewed three applications for recognition as subgroups, these applications received approval and shall be referred to National Executive Council for ratification.

11. Relationship between MLSCN & AMLSN

The NEOs reviewed the relationship between MLSCN & AMLSN and resolved to take steps to protect the sanctity AMLSN and work to ensure that mutual respect exists between the Council and the Association. Nine NEOs voted in favour of this resolution except but one who voted against.

Dr. James Damen
(National Secretary)

Dated this 11th Day of January 2020

Highlights of the National Executive Officers’ Meeting held on January 11, 2020 at Osborn Lapalm Hotel, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
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AMLSN 2023 Call for Authors/Reviewers

AMLSN eLearning implementing team is calling for applications from subject experts for appointment as course authors/reviewers for Year 2023 courses in the following topics:

  • Blood Donor Recruitment and Selection Criteria
  • Genome and Genomics in Paternity Dispute
  • Emotional Intelligence (Practitioner & Client’s Relationship)
  • Leadership and Management of Conflicts

Requirements:
• Minimum of HND/Bsc/BMLS., MSc./Professional Qualification (AMLSCN, FMLSCN etc); a PhD is an advantage but not required
• Demonstrable excellence in area of specialization
• Experienced in delivering training for adults in resource constrained environments
• Experienced in developing competency based curriculum or eLearning courses
• Experienced in conducting and synthesizing research
• Ability to devote a minimum of two hours per week to course development until published
• Experienced in using IT, Graphics/Multimedia tools and social media
• Must be in good financial standing with the Association (for MLS)

Available to attend a 2-3 days course authors’ training (possibly from 17th of May 2023)

Mode of Application
• Interested Applicants should prepare the following for input on the data sheet:

1. Cover letter indicating interest in one of the topics above.
2. A brief description of understanding of your chosen topic.
3. At least three learning objectives to be achieved in undertaking the course.

• Proceed to fill the applicant data sheet here(link is external) or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/amlsn2023courses or scan the code below

NOTE: Failure to follow this procedure will lead to disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application submissions close 25th April 2023

AMLSN 2023 Call for Authors/Reviewers
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AMLSN COMMUNIQUE PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE 206TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, HELD ON THE 14TH JANUARY, 2023 AT VINPY EVENT CENTER, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE.

Protocol!

We want to first and foremost thank Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Nigeria for the relative gains made in the areas of infrastructure and security. We believe that it is the genuine intention of Mr President to bequeath a better health sector than he met it and we are ready to offer useful suggestions, feedback and agitations towards this end.

OBSERVATIONS/SUGGESTIONS

Healthcare Financing in Nigeria

NEC observed with dismay the continuous underfunding of the health sector in Nigeria as reflected in paltry budgetary allocation spanning about two decades now. Nigeria’s health budget has continued to fall short of the recommendations of the Abuja Declaration by the African Union. It would be recalled that African heads of states met in Abuja in 2001 to review the health system in the region and were blown apart by the deficit in infrastructure, training and technological assimilation in the system. To address this, they declared that member nations were to forthwith commit not less than 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector. Unfortunately, Nigeria has continued to falter with health budgets oscillating between 5-8% of the total budget. NEC therefore, charges the exiting and incoming governments to change the status quo.

Emergency Response Preparedness

NEC calls on governments at all levels to pay special attention to public health emergencies, non-communicable diseases, sanitation, cancer awareness, procurement of laboratory, medical and dental infrastructure. The recently reported Lassa fever cases in Irrua Specialist Hospital is again, a sad reminder that we are not yet out of the woods.

Hospital Administration

NEC calls on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Bill for an Act to amend the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards etc) Act Cap U15 LFN 2004” sponsored by one Honourable Bamidele Salami. It is the believe of NEC and Nigerians as a whole that when passed, the bill will address all discriminatory tendencies, promote all inclusiveness, help Nigeria’s healthcare delivery thrive positively, benefit the average Nigerian patients instead of a professional group, improve the poor infrastructure that currently define our Tertiary Hospitals, mitigate improve skilled manpower shortage caused by brain drain, and enhance more participation as more professionals will have a better enabling environment to train and practice.

MLS Curriculum and Standard

AMLSN as a major stakeholder in MLS education calls on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to provide a minimum of 4 months for holistic review of the B.MLS curriculum in the recently released Core Curriculum and Minimum Accreditation Standard (CCMAS) for universities. The gaps and errors identified in the B.MLS curriculum areso pronounced that the 30% window can not address. While the efforts of NUC is appreciated, the NEC believes the curriculum must be robust enough to reflect the dynamism in Medical Laboratory practice and evolution; within the medical laboratory diagnostic ecosystem, so that our graduates can remain globally marketable. We also want to call on all private and public laboratories to key into Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) accreditation programs for laboratories across the country.

Medical Tourism

For the umpteenth time, NEC frowns at thriving tendencies of medical tourism by Nigerians, especially the political class. It has been estimated that Nigeria spends about N664bn yearly on medical tourism, this is indeed a huge loss of foreign exchange and a drain on the country’s foreign reserves. These amounts, when invested in the Nigeria health sector, will not only make it competitive to world class hospitals but make Nigeria a health tourism destination since most of the so-called world class hospitals in developed countries are manned by Nigerian health professionals. Consequently, we call on the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry, to provide financial support, through special intervention funds for private sector investment for healthcare delivery and especially the building of mega and high tech medical laboratories that can be globally competitive both in technology and test spectrum.

Brain Drains

NEC observed with sadness the continuous human capital flight that has escalated to an alarming proportion. In 2022 alone the nation lost about 906 medical laboratory scientists to human capital flight. The reasons for brain drain may include: poor leadership of the health sector, corruption, poor remuneration and toxic work environment. We therefore, call on government to address these concerns as a futuristic remedy for the malady.

2023 National Election:

NEC acknowledged that Nigerians are going to the polls in a matter of weeks to elect new leaders. NEC therefore encouraged Nigerians and indeed her members to participate actively in the process as responsible citizen by voting for credible candidates with proven track records, capacity and impeccable credentials. So far, we have perused through the healthcare agenda of manifestoes of the leading candidates in the elections and we are concerned that some are lacking in depth, scope and strategy. We hereby call on the candidates to reassess the situation on ground and enrich their healthcare agenda for the nation

Thank you

Prof. James G. Damen                                                    Prof. Musa A. Muhibi                                                  Mr. Olusoji  A. Billyrose

 National President                                                       National Secretary                                                 National Publicity Secretary

                                                                                                

AMLSN COMMUNIQUE PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE 206TH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, HELD ON THE 14TH JANUARY, 2023 AT VINPY EVENT CENTER, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE.
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AMLSN 2022 Call for Authors/Reviewers

AMLSN eLearning implementing team is calling for applications from subject experts for appointment as authors/reviewers for Year 2022 courses in the following topics:

• Covid-19 and Haemeostasis
• Data Management Importance for Medical Laboratories
• Introduction to Forensic Laboratory Investigations

Requirements:
• Minimum of HND/Bsc/BMLS., MSc./Professional Qualification (AMLSCN, FMLSCN etc); a PhD is an advantage but not required
• Demonstrable excellence in area of specialization
• Experience in delivering training for adults in resource constrained environments
• Experience in developing competency based curriculum or eLearning courses
• Experience in conducting and synthesizing research
• Ability to devote a minimum of two hours per week to course development until published
• Experience in using IT, Graphics/Multimedia tools and social media
• Must be in good financial standing with the Association (for MLS)

  •  Available to attend a 2-3 days course authors’ training (possibly from 28th of April 2022)

Mode of Application
• Interested Applicants should prepare the following for input on the data sheet:

1. Cover letter indicating interest in one of the topics above.
2. A brief description of understanding of your chosen topic.
3. At least three learning objectives to be achieved in undertaking the course.

• Proceed to fill the applicant data sheet here(link is external) or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/amlsn2022courses or scan the code below

NOTE: Failure to follow this procedure will lead to disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application submissions close 25th March 2022

AMLSN 2022 Call for Authors/Reviewers
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15TH NATIONAL ANNUAL PUBLIC HEALTH LECTURE SERIES/INVESTITURE

ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS OF NIGERIA (AMLSN)
INVITES THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO HER
15 TH NATIONAL ANNUAL PUBLIC HEALTH LECTURE SERIES/INVESTITURE

PREAMBLE

Covid-19 has exposed the need for countries to build a responsive and sustainable National Laboratory System, that will provide timely diagnostic solutions for the early detection and prevention of diseases of public health importance. Medical Laboratories as an important component of such a system needs to be strengthened through strategic capacity building in areas such as local vaccine production, laboratory-based evaluation and validation of covid-19 test kits in Nigeria. To consolidate on the lessons learnt from Covid-19, the national 15th annual public health lecture provides another opportunity for intellectual discuss and interaction among medical laboratory scientist and world class resource persons in attendance.

THEME
Strategic Medical Laboratory capacity building for pandemic response: lessons learnt from covid-19 in Nigeria.
Speaker: Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu Director General, Nigeria Center for Disease Control

SUB-THEMES
1. Re-invigorating Local Capacity for Vaccine Production in Nigeria.
Speaker: Prof. Oyewale Tomori, Chairman, National Laboratory Technical Working Group

2. Laboratory Based Evaluations of COVID-19 Test kits: A Paradigm Shift in Quality
Management System
Speaker: Sir Manason Rubainu Chairman, MLSCN IVD Technical committee

3. Expanding Access to COVID-19 Testing in Nigeria: The Place of Antibody and Antigen
Based Rapid Test Kits
Discussants: Abbott and Biosensor

Under the distinguished chairmanship of Dist. Sen. (Dr) Ibrahim Y. Oloriegbe, Chairman
Senate Committee on health (Sec, & Tertiary) National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021

Venue: Chida International Hotel, Plot 224, Solomon Lar Way, Utako District, FCT,Abuja

Time: 9:00am prompt.

Registration Fee: 3,000 Naira Only
Account: AMLSN 1001617455 UBA
MLSCN CPD accredited activity

Sponsorship details contact:
Dr Ironkwe Okechukwu (Chairman PHL committee) 08035985019
Pastor Oveye Alaba (Scretary) 08032628107

15TH NATIONAL ANNUAL PUBLIC HEALTH LECTURE SERIES/INVESTITURE
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ASM World Microbe Forum invitation to Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria Members

Dear Colleagues,

At a time when the pandemic is keeping us apart, I’m excited to be planning the new meeting collaboration from ASM, FEMS and several other collaborating societies that recognizes that microbial sciences, just like microbes, know no borders. The two organizations are bringing together ASM Microbe 2021 and FEMS 2021 to create World Microbe Forum (WMF) – and we’re now accepting abstract submissions.

From new infectious pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, to antimicrobial resistance and the role of microbes in climate change, to agriculture and food microbiology, and synthetic and applied microbiology – international experts will gather for WMF to examine, discuss and envision solutions that science can offer to solve some of the gravest concerns confronting us today.

This is our moment – an opportunity to:

  • Break barriers to presenting research – Presenters can share their science from home and reach peers everywhere from the United States and Europe to Africa and Asia. With no travel fees and a low registration rate, we’re lowering barriers of entry to level the playing field. ASM and FEMS are also offering hundreds of opportunities to receive complimentary meeting registration. Presenters can apply when they submit their abstracts.
  • Provide more content in your research area and related fields – Hundreds of cutting-edge scientific sessions will cover the full spectrum of microbial sciences over four days. Tracks, topics and channels will help attendees easily find science related to their area of interest. And all sessions will be available on-demand so you can catch up at your convenience.
  • Unite the microbial sciences community worldwide to advance science – Active researchers, industry professionals, undergraduate, postdocs, and leaders in the field will showcase how microbial sciences are essential to solving complex problems impacting humankind today. Sessions presented at WMF can be streamed from anywhere, extending the conversation to policy makers and members of the public to help shape health policy.
  • Interact and connect like you would at an in-person meeting – Through easy-to-use video, chat and text functionality, attendees can pose questions live to speakers, get real-time feedback on their research, and connect with leaders and peers in your field. iPoster presenters will be able to make their research come alive through high-resolution images, videos and animations, voice-over narrations, and more to show the impact of their findings. You can also catch up with peers at your convenience through 24/7 networking lounges.

Late-breaker Abstract Submission Opens on Apr. 23, 2021 through May 7, 2021. Visit www.worldmicrobeforum.org to get started on your submission.

Sincerely,

Ade Olarewaju

Ade Olarewaju | Program Specialist, Global Public Health Programs

American Society for Microbiology

ASM World Microbe Forum invitation to Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria Members
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AMLSN 2021 Call for Authors/Reviewers

AMLSN eLearning implementing team is calling for applications from subject experts for appointment as authors/reviewers for Year 2021 courses in the following topics:

  • Review of Sample Stability Guidelines for Medical Laboratories
  • Client Satisfaction as Quality Indicator in Medical Laboratory Services
  • Point of Care Testing (POCT)
  • Stress Management for Medical Laboratory Scientists

Requirements:
• Minimum of HND/Bsc/BMLS., MSc./Professional Qualification (AMLSCN, FMLSCN etc); a PhD is an advantage but not required
• Demonstrable excellence in area of specialization
• Experience in delivering training for adults in resource constrained environments
• Experience in developing competency based curriculum or eLearning courses
• Experience in conducting and synthesizing research
• Ability to devote a minimum of two hours per week to course development until published
• Experience in using IT, Graphics/Multimedia tools and social media
• Must be in good financial standing with the Association (for MLS)

  •  Available to attend a 2-3 days course training (possibly from 15th of April 2021)

Mode of Application
• Interested Applicants should prepare the following for input on the data sheet:

1. Cover letter indicating interest in one of the topics above.
2. A brief description of understanding of your chosen topic.
3. At least three learning objectives to be achieved in undertaking the course.

• Proceed to fill the applicant data sheet here(link is external) or https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/amlsn2021courses

NOTE: Failure to follow this procedure will lead to disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application submissions close 19th March 2021

AMLSN 2021 Call for Authors/Reviewers
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