Reps committee supports Plateau medical laboratory college upgrade

The House of Representatives Committee on Speciality Healthcare has promised to support speciality health colleges and institutions across the country to enable them to achieve the objectives which informed their establishment.

This was just as the committee hinted its support for the college’s upgrade to a full-fledged university.

The chairman of the Committee, Dr. Alex Egbona, made this known when he led members of the committee on oversight duties to the  Federal College of Medical Laboratory Scientist Technology in Jos, Plateau State on Monday.

Egbona who led members of his team to inspect facilities at the college as well as scrutinise the implementation of the 2023 Appropriations Act as approved by the National Assembly including capital projects implementation and expenditures, commended the college Provost, Prof. Sunday Etukudoh, for doing a great job in the institution

Speaking with journalists, the chairman said, “Having gone around on a tour of projects and facilities, we are impressed with what we saw, most especially the monocular and the basic science laboratories respectively and gave a good score to the provost, Prof. Etukudoh for his performance despite certain challenges which include poor funding to the College.”

The committee chairman who said they never believed such facilities like the FCMLST in Jos existed in Nigeria  added, “I believe the college should be upgraded to university status because the facilities are state-of-the-art and are all modern, and with such facilities.”

On the request made by the provost for more funding to complete capital projects, Egbona said, “We have discussed the need for more funding to the college. Besides the regular budget, there are provisions for special interventions which can be requested through us, the Speaker, and the ministry.

“We also advise engagement with the Plateau State governor since the institution is within the state and the state is the sole beneficiary of the college. So, we call on the state government to intervene here just like the governor’s intervention in the orthopaedic hospital which is a good example.”

He further assured the provost of the committee’s commitment to supporting the college with the requisite legislative frameworks and provisions needed to achieve its set objectives and mandate.

“Committee will make sure all releases meant for the college are released on time and see how the college budgetary allocation will be increased to enable the provost to complete some of the capital projects at the permanent site of the college at Lamingo”, he said.

He added that with the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities such as the monocular laboratory and the basic science laboratory at the permanent site, they will make sure that more funding is made to the college.

Also speaking to journalists, Etukudoh thanked the chairman and members of the committee for the commendation, saying it would encourage him to do more.

He added that the visit of the committee has been beneficial to the college.

He added, “The committee assessed the current situation of the college, identified deficiencies, and took responsibility for helping us secure additional funding and infrastructure. We are very grateful for their support

“Members of the committee are exemplary citizens who genuinely want the best for this country. Their suggestions and recommendations are very valuable, particularly for our molecular lab, which is one of the best in the country.

“We have taken note of all their valuable contributions. Their selfless input will be applied, adding to the renewed hope of Mr. President. When citizens have access to timely, affordable, precise, and accurate diagnostic services, it will greatly benefit everyone.”