The Federal Government has described medical diagnostics as a strategic national asset and called for stronger local production of diagnostic products to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, made the call in Abuja while declaring open the 28th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors.
Salako said accurate and timely diagnosis was essential to healthcare delivery, disease surveillance and public health decisions.
He said achieving diagnostic self-sufficiency required local production alongside technology transfer, research, effective regulation, sustainable procurement and strategic partnerships.
The National President of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Samuel Fele, also urged the government and stakeholders to develop a competitive local diagnostic manufacturing industry.
Fele said Nigeria’s reliance on imported reagents, consumables and equipment had limited opportunities for local industrial development, adding that the growing African diagnostics market presented opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers.
He stressed that increased local production must be matched with quality assurance, regulatory oversight and recognised standards.
Other speakers at the conference called for stronger investment, research funding, infrastructure and procurement policies to create sustainable demand for locally manufactured diagnostic products.
They also emphasised that the ultimate goal of strengthening Nigeria’s diagnostic system should be improved access to reliable and affordable healthcare for patients.
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