Sunday Nwovu, zonal coordinator of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Anambra chapter, has advised the public to always undergo proper laboratory diagnosis before commencing medical treatment.

Mr Nwovu made the call on Friday in Awka while presenting a paper on the functions of MLSCN at the monthly meeting of the Anambra Association of Heads of Federal Establishments.

He said accurate diagnosis leads to the proper treatment, and urged Nigerians to adhere to basic health guidelines to avoid complications and escalation of illnesses.

According to him, the MLSCN is a regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Health, established by an Act of Parliament (Cap 114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), with a mandate to regulate medical laboratory services and practice nationwide.

Mr Nwovu said the council’s vision was to be a world-acclaimed regulatory agency driving the culture of quality and efficient health laboratory care, while also ensuring high academic standards in training institutions.

He added, “MLSCN works to strengthen laboratory systems and professional practice through strategic regulation and accreditation. Our core values are professionalism, integrity, excellence, commitment, efficiency, and teamwork.

We conduct examinations for students who are undergoing medical laboratory science courses. We license such students at the end of their programme and regulate both public and private medical laboratories in Nigeria.

“We retrain and conduct examinations for foreign graduates who are seeking to practise in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Nwovu said the council was working hard to overcome challenges of funding and insecurity while reaffirming its commitment to delivering quality service to the public.

(NAN)