AMLSN and GMLD Lagos Leadership Engage HEFAMAA on Regulation and Practice Standards

On December 24, 2025, while many people were winding down for the holidays, leaders of AMLSN Lagos and GMLD Lagos were at TISCO House, Alausa, sitting across the table with the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. (Mrs) Idowu Abiola.

The goal was simple:
Clear the confusion, protect members, and strengthen how we practice in Lagos State.

The meeting started a bit late due to overlapping engagements, but it was warm, open, and honest from the start. The AMLSN Chairman, MLS Kabiawu Gbolahan, appreciated the working relationship HEFAMAA has built with Medical Laboratory Scientists and made it clear that the visit wasn’t for confrontation but for collaboration, clarity, and improvement.

Renewal, LOGS & Registration

One major issue on the table was renewal and Letters of Good Standing (LOGS).

The Permanent Secretary made it very clear:

▪️Renewal is now fully online
▪️LOGS are important and not optional
▪️While freedom of association exists, getting LOGS through the Association is more practical and affordable
▪️Fees should be reasonable, but Associations must also show welfare and value, not just collect money.

She also advised members to register early, avoid last-minute rushes, and use the official HEFAMAA call lines whenever there’s an issue. According to her, things have improved and members confirmed this.

One key warning stood out:

By 2026, any facility not properly registered risks being shut down.

Where Members Are Getting It Wrong

HEFAMAA officials pointed out something important and a bit uncomfortable.

Many members:

▪️Start registration but don’t complete it
▪️Enter wrong phone numbers or emails
▪️Celebrate seeing “Congratulations” online without finishing the process
▪️Rely on fake agents
▪️Don’t know their own login details
▪️Allow unqualified personnel to collect samples

HEFAMAA was firm:
They have no registered agents or franchises, and members should come directly to the Agency. They also encouraged AMLSN to help inspect new facilities before submission, as some don’t meet standards at first glance.

Regulation Must Be Fair – Public and Private

AMLSN leadership emphasised that regulation should not only target private facilities.

The public sector must also be accountable, and proper data is needed to guide members fairly.

A proposal was raised for the AMLSN–HEFAMAA partnership, including training designated AMLSN personnel to help members navigate registration properly. The Chairman also requested the latest inspection checklist so correct information can be shared widely.

Saturday Inspections, LAWMA & Other Concerns

A report from the Osodi–Isolo chapter raised concerns about a weekend encounter. HEFAMAA clarified that:
▪️Routine operations do not happen on Saturdays
▪️Only investigations for night trading or serious violations occur.

On LAWMA, both sides agreed that more clarification is needed. Waste handling must involve proper agreements, weighing, and shared responsibility, AMLSN does not support irresponsible practices.

QR Codes – More Than Complaints

Members asked about the QR codes now appearing in facilities.

HEFAMAA explained:

▪️QR codes are for complaints and positive feedback
▪️They’ll be used for ranking facilities
▪️Over 700 facilities already have them
▪️They also help the public know a lab is

Closing on a Strong Note

HEFAMAA shared plans to decentralise, with a new branch in Ajah.

AMLSN pledged continued support and invited the Permanent Secretary to upcoming Association events so information can flow directly to members.

THE TAKEAWAY

▪️LOGS matter—don’t gamble with your practice
▪️Finish your registrations properly; don’t stop halfway
▪️Avoid agents. Deal directly with HEFAMAA
▪️Register your facility or risk closure by 2026
▪️QR codes are not traps, they protect credible labs
▪️Regulation works best when we cooperate, not evade.

 

By Adeleke O. Olaoluwa,

AMLSN Lagos State Publicity Secretary