FG Seeks to Develop Integrated, Reliable Diagnostic Ecosystem in Nigeria

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government said it is currently implementing measures to promote integrated, reliable and accessible diagnostic services nationwide

It said the steps included strengthening of the national laboratory network, enhancing quality assurance systems, expanding workforce development, and deepening partnerships with the private sector and development partners to ensure equitable access to high quality diagnostic services.

Speaking at the National Summit on Diagnostics held in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said that government believes that, “accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for disease prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and continuous patient monitoring. Globally, a significant proportion of clinical decisions depend on diagnostic results”.

The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry, Mrs. Daju Kachallom said that strengthening diagnostic capacity is not merely a technical requirement but a strategic investment in the efficiency, credibility, and performance of our entire health system.

According to the Minister, a well integrated and coordinated diagnostic system is indispensable for quality healthcare delivery.

“Whether in a primary healthcare centre in a rural community or a tertiary hospital in a major city, access to reliable diagnostic services empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes and ensure optimal use of resources.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recognizes that strengthening diagnostics requires more than infrastructure. It demands strong governance, effective partnerships, a skilled workforce, functional laboratory networks, robust regulatory oversight, and sustainable financing.

“It also requires deliberate investment in local capacity development and domestic production of diagnostic technologies,” he said.

Salako said that diagnostics holds a strategic place under the health sector reform agenda, stating that the Ministry has continued to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen laboratory services nationwide.

He noted that a key example is the implementation and periodic review of the National Essential Diagnostics List, which guides the availability of priority diagnostic tests across all levels of care.

“We are also strengthening the national laboratory network, enhancing quality assurance systems, expanding workforce development, and deepening partnerships with the private sector and development partners to ensure equitable access to high quality diagnostic services,” he said.

While welcoming participants to the Summit, Kachallom said the event provided a vital platform to reflect on achievements and identify remaining gaps with a view to charting  a clear pathway for strengthening partnerships, expanding local content, and integrating diagnostic services across the healthcare sector.

She said by strengthening laboratory networks, expanding quality assurance systems, the federal government aims to ensure that every Nigerian has access to dependable diagnostic services.

In his remarks, the Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria, represented by Mr. Martins Joseph said the organization has collaborated with government to optimize the national diagnostic network, which provides the first strategic framework for expanding diagnostics access across the country.

He said that WHO has through its technical support to the regulatory agencies ensured the prequalification and validation of capacity for in vitro diagnostics, ensuring that both local manufacturers and imported diagnostics meet the highest international standards of safety and reliability.

Acting Registrar of the MLSCN, Dr. Donald Ofili who spoke to journalists said that the summit will help the government to improve access to diagnostics especially for people living in the hard to teach areas of the country.