MEDICAL TESTS KEY TO NIGERIA’S HEALTH SECURITY, SAYS FG

The Federal Government has described medical diagnostics as a strategic national asset, saying Nigeria must strengthen local production of diagnostic products to reduce its dependence on imports.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to effective healthcare delivery, disease surveillance and public health decision-making.
Salako, represented by the Director and Head of the Medical Laboratory Services Division in the ministry, Dr Emeka Elom, spoke in Abuja at the 28th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors.
He said achieving diagnostic sovereignty would require more than producing medical tests locally. According to him, Nigeria must invest in technology transfer, research and innovation, effective regulation, sustainable procurement and strategic partnerships to make quality and affordable diagnostic services more accessible.
The National President of the GMLD, Dr Samuel Fele, called for an end to Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported diagnostic reagents, consumables and equipment. He said the country has an opportunity to build a competitive local manufacturing industry capable of serving both Nigeria and the wider African market.
Fele stressed that local production must not come at the expense of quality, calling for stronger regulatory oversight, quality management systems, proficiency testing and compliance with recognised standards. He also urged the government to provide financing, infrastructure, research grants and procurement policies that would create sustainable demand for locally manufactured diagnostic products.
Renowned virologist and Chairman of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, said a viable local market would be necessary to sustain domestic manufacturing. He urged stakeholders to understand the needs of the market and develop products capable of meeting those needs.
The keynote speaker, Dr Mustapha Gidado, Executive Director of KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, said the ultimate purpose of achieving diagnostic sovereignty should be to improve healthcare for patients. He noted that strengthening Nigeria’s diagnostic system should therefore focus not only on production and market readiness but also on ensuring that patients have access to reliable and timely diagnosis.