Benue to establish molecular diagnostic laboratory

Benue State Government is to partner with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and a German university to establish a molecular diagnostic laboratory Centre in Benue State.

Benue State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Benue State Action Committee on COVID-19, Engr Benson Abounu made this known today at the Benue Peoples’ House, Makurdi when leadership of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria presented medical intervention materials to the Committee.

Engr Abounu, who was represented by the state commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Sunday Ongbabo said the establishment of the diagnostic centre will make the state a medical tourist site and one of the six world class laboratory testing centres in Nigeria.

He thanked the Association for its efforts and collaboration in containing the spread of Covid-19 in Benue State and promised that the items would be put to judicious use.

Engr Abounu assured them of Benue State government partnership in strengthening and providing effective and functional health care service in the state.

Earlier, the chairman of the association, Comrade Margaret Ada Oche said their decision to donate the materials, which consists of 125 (100ml) of hand sanitizer and some mobile tap washing buckets to the committee was part of the association’s corporate social responsibility to the state.

She commended the state government for recognizing the strategic role of laboratory scientists and for involving members in the war against the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

She however appealed for the employment of more Medical Laboratory Scientists and the approval of new entry point and adjustment of existing Lab Scientists to match up with their counterpart in the Health sector.