The launch took place during the commemoration of the 2026 International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day in Worawora, bringing together key stakeholders in the health sector, including government officials, health professionals, development partners, and members of the media.
Delivering the keynote address, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong highlighted the crucial role of medical laboratory scientists in healthcare delivery, noting that more than 70 percent of clinical decisions depend on laboratory results.
He raised concerns about the persistent gap in access to quality diagnostic services between urban and rural areas, particularly in the Oti Region, where many health facilities continue to face shortages of skilled personnel, limited equipment, and weak supply systems.
“Patients in these areas often do not receive timely and accurate diagnoses, which ultimately affects treatment outcomes and the overall quality of care due to the limited number of qualified medical laboratory professionals and laboratories in the region,” he stated.
The Minister called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address these challenges, including the introduction of incentive packages to attract professionals to rural areas, improved infrastructure, and strengthened logistics systems.
He also pointed to ongoing government initiatives to improve the sector, including plans to establish a Medical Laboratory Science Council, promote local production of reagents and consumables, and develop proficiency testing centres.
The District Chief Executive Officer of Biakoye, Hon. Eric Kwaku Opong, highlighted the important role of medical laboratory scientist in healthcare and called for support for Free Primary Healthcare policy of government as it aimed at identifying health conditions in the community as a preventive measure. He mentioned that the government will do its best to support all areas of healthcare including medical laboratory services for the benefit of Ghana.
Strategic Plan to Transform the Profession
In a major highlight of the event, GAMLS officially unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2026–2031, described as a roadmap to guide the growth and transformation of the profession over the next five years.
The President of GAMLS, Dr Eric Kofi Aidoo emphasized that the plan reflects the collective aspirations of medical laboratory professionals across the country and was developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders.
He noted that the global theme for this year’s celebration focused on sustainability in clinical diagnostics, aligns with Ghana’s need to build resilient health systems capable of responding to emerging health challenges.
According to him, sustainable diagnostic systems require a well-trained workforce, reliable supply chains, strong governance, and the integration of technology into laboratory services.
Six Key Priorities
The Strategic Plan is anchored on six priority areas:
- Strengthening organizational capacity
- Expanding advocacy and partnerships
- Promoting professional standards and regulation
- Enhancing service delivery
- Supporting continuous professional development
- Improving financial sustainability
The Association indicated that implementation of the plan will be closely monitored through periodic evaluations, including a mid-term review in 2028 and a final assessment in 2031.
Call for Stronger Partnerships
The GAMLS President stressed that achieving the objectives of the plan will require strong collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of Health Ghana and its agencies including Ghana Health Service as well as academic institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
He also acknowledged the contribution of international partners, including the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, in supporting the growth of the profession. He also used the opportunity to remind government to ensure that manifesto promises regarding the medical laboratory sector are fulfilled including the establishment of a medical laboratory science council among others.
Recognition and Commitment
The event also recognized the efforts of the Strategic Planning Committee, whose work was instrumental in developing the policy document.
In a message to members, the GAMLS leadership acknowledged the challenges faced by laboratory professionals, including resource constraints and infrastructure gaps, and urged them to actively support the implementation of the plan.
A Renewed Commitment to Healthcare
The Oti Regional Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Regional Coordinating Council to support initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to diagnostic services. He officially declared the 2026 International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day celebration open and expressed confidence that the new strategic plan would significantly enhance healthcare outcomes across the country.
The event ended with a strong call for collective action to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable diagnostic system that meets the needs of all Ghanaians.
Source: 3news.com