Greater Accra Lab Scientists Call for Standardization to Strengthen Pandemic Preparedness

Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Greater Accra Region are urging government and stakeholders in the health sector to prioritize the standardization of laboratories across the country to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to future pandemics.

The call was made during the annual regional congress of the Greater Accra chapter of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS-GAR), held in Accra under the theme: “Strengthening Laboratory Systems, Pandemic Preparedness, Diagnostic Excellence, and Health Security in Ghana.”

Standardization Key to Reliable Health Systems
Delivering the keynote address, the Greater Accra Regional Health Director, Dr. Robert Amesiya, underscored the urgent need for Ghana to adopt and enforce standardized practices in both public and private laboratories.

He noted that standardization is critical in ensuring uniformity in diagnostic procedures, which in turn guarantees accurate and reliable test results for patients.

“When all laboratories adhere to the same rigorous standards, the reliability of test results improves significantly, which helps in early detection, effective treatment, and overall safety of the population,” Dr. Amesiya emphasized.

Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Amesiya commended Ghana’s ability to rapidly scale up testing during the outbreak but stressed that resilience and preparedness must remain a top priority.

Challenges Facing Laboratory Scientists
On his part, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GAMLS, Dr. John Toseni Mensah, highlighted persistent challenges that continue to hamper the work of medical laboratory scientists in Ghana.

He lamented the lack of recruitment of new laboratory scientists since 2019, which has left many facilities understaffed and overstretched. In addition, he pointed to inadequate laboratory spaces in hospitals, poor maintenance of equipment, and the absence of a dedicated Medical Laboratory Council to regulate the profession as major setbacks.

“Without proper regulation and adequate resources, our profession struggles to deliver the best possible service to patients. A Medical Laboratory Council will not only strengthen regulation but also enhance recognition and professional development within the sector,” Dr. Toseni Mensah stated.

Building a Stronger Laboratory Network
The congress brought together laboratory scientists, policymakers, and health professionals to deliberate on ways of improving Ghana’s diagnostic capacity. It also provided a platform for professionals to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and advocate for stronger recognition of medical laboratory scientists in Ghana’s health system.

Participants concluded that for Ghana to be better prepared for future pandemics, it must invest in:

Recruitment of more laboratory professionals to address staffing gaps.

Upgrading laboratory infrastructure in hospitals and health centres.

Regular maintenance and provision of modern equipment.

Legislation for a Medical Laboratory Council to regulate and strengthen the profession.

As Ghana looks ahead, medical laboratory scientists say their role remains indispensable in ensuring diagnostic excellence, safeguarding public health, and preparing the nation for future health emergencies.