Health Experts Raise Alarm Over Unqualified Personnel in Laboratory Practice

The Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) has warned that the increasing presence of untrained individuals in laboratory services poses serious risks to public health across the country.

According to the institute’s registrar, the involvement of unqualified persons in laboratory testing compromises the accuracy of medical results, which can lead to wrong diagnoses and inappropriate treatment of patients.

He explained that laboratory practice requires proper certification and strict adherence to professional standards, stressing that anyone operating without the necessary approval should not be allowed to handle medical testing.

IPAN noted that the rise of such illegal practitioners is often driven by weak enforcement of regulations and poor public awareness, allowing them to operate unchecked in some areas.

The institute called for stronger monitoring, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and increased public education to help patients identify legitimate laboratories.

It further stressed that protecting the integrity of laboratory services is essential to safeguarding lives and restoring confidence in the healthcare system.