Laboratory Scientists to head laboratories soon- Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists hints

The President of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS), Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani has hinted that its members will soon assume headship of all Laboratories in the regions and districts.

He said this arrangement is contained in the 2019 Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons report prepared by Professor George Ayitey which grants headship of laboratories to Laboratory Scientists.

Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani was speaking on the Midday News on Joy FM Friday, May 21, in reaction to the decision by the Management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to asssign two Medical Officers to the Laboratory Services Directorate.

He said, “we are minded by the Febuary 6, 2017, report submitted by Prof Ayitey and I quote that from the College of Physicians and Surgeons- Headships of laboratories at the various levels should be opened to only Laboratory Physicians. I repeat, only to Laboratory Physicians,” he told host Emefa Apawu.

He said this is the only recommendation that the College of Physicians and Surgeons gave to the Professor Ayitey Commission.

“What do you expert members of the Laboratory Scientists Association to, do if some Medical Officers are being posted to our departments? Dr Rahamani quizzed.

Medical Laboratory Scientists and allied professionals at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) declared a strike action on May 19, 2019.

The local branch of GAMLS is protesting a decision by the hospital’s Management to post two medical officers, Lesley Osei and Eunice Agyemang Ahmed, to the Laboratory Services Directorate, to fill vacancies there.

The two have been appointed as Clinical Haematologists at the Laboratory Services Directorate.

The protestors are arguing that members of the Association who qualify for the vacant positions have been sidelined.

At an emergency meeting on Wednesday, May 19, members therefore resolved to stay off duty.