UNTH Staff Seek Regulatory Review Over Proposed Laboratory Reconfiguration
UNTH Staff Seek Regulatory Review Over Proposed Laboratory Reconfiguration
Medical Laboratory Scientists at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, have called on relevant healthcare authorities to review a proposed reconfiguration of laboratory spaces involving the Immunology and Haematology units, citing concerns over safety standards, professional practice, and procedural compliance.
According to information provided by staff representatives, discussions on laboratory space adjustments commenced in September 2025, following notification that funding had been secured for laboratory-related development within the hospital. Subsequent internal communications in November 2025 reportedly indicated that parts of the Immunology Unit might be reassigned for alternative clinical use, with affected personnel advised to relocate to another laboratory space within the facility.
Medical Laboratory Scientists involved in the process expressed reservations about the proposed arrangement, particularly with regard to internationally recognised guidelines on laboratory spacing, biosafety, workflow efficiency, and training capacity. They noted that medical laboratories operate under specialised safety and regulatory requirements and emphasised that any restructuring should be preceded by comprehensive technical assessments and broad stakeholder consultations.
Professional and labour organisations, including the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) and other affiliated health sector unions, were formally notified of the developments. Engagements with hospital management reportedly followed, including site inspections and several meetings aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.
At a meeting held later in December 2025, involving hospital management and representatives of professional and labour groups, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD) reportedly explained that the proposed reconfiguration was influenced by time-bound funding considerations. He further indicated management’s intention to provide additional laboratory infrastructure within a defined timeframe to support service delivery and training needs.
Union representatives at the meeting reportedly acknowledged the explanation and stated that they would convey their collective position after consultations with their members.
While discussions remain ongoing, Medical Laboratory Scientists have appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), and other relevant stakeholders to review the matter and provide guidance to ensure that any laboratory reconfiguration complies with established safety standards, accreditation requirements, and professional best practices.
They stressed that their position is not opposed to institutional development, but is primarily focused on safeguarding patient safety, staff welfare, training quality, and regulatory compliance.
When contacted, the Chief Medical Director, Dr Obinna Onodugo expressed surprise at the extent the matter had generated public concern. He explained that the restructuring initiative was aimed at optimally utilising a time-bound grant awarded to the hospital to improve functionality and expand service capacity.
Dr Obinna confirmed that management had agreed in principle to provide a new structure within six months to accommodate laboratory services, adding that the hospital would not engage in any action that could compromise standard laboratory practice.
According to him, both laboratory professionals , including pathologists, and Medical Laboratory Scientists remain central to maintaining quality laboratory services. He emphasised that patient and staff safety across the hospital community remains a core responsibility of management.
The CMD appealed for calm, urging all parties to continue engagement and work collaboratively in the interest of delivering effective and safe healthcare services to the public.