Victoria Mgbanwa
The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Laboratory, has received an accreditation certificate from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) on Monday in Ile-Ife.
The accreditation would significantly contribute to the fight against HIV/Aids.
This certificate, awarded in accordance with recognized international standards, was presented by Prof. John Akintunde Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director, to Dr. Prosper Okonkwo, the CEO of APIN Public Health Initiatives, one of the implementing partners of SANAS.
Dr. Okonkwo was represented by the organization’s Deputy CEO, Dr. Jay Osi-Samuels, who emphasized that this laboratory accreditation would significantly contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.
Dr. Jay also urged the laboratory staff to maintain their dedication to their work to sustain this international recognition.
Prof. Okeniyi expressed concern over the declining staff strength at the institution due to the issue of brain drain in the health sector.
He highlighted the immense stress that the remaining staff have been enduring. “Despite the loss of personnel to the trend of healthcare professionals seeking opportunities abroad, the hospital has persevered thanks to the commitment of its existing workforce. “
Prof. Okeniyi appealed to the federal government to provide the hospital with adequate manpower.
Mrs. Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe, a professor of pediatrics and coordinator of ART Laboratory and Programmes at OAUTHC, noted that the laboratory facility is equipped with a COBAS analyzer (C4800) for conducting HIV Viral load and Early Infant Diagnosis tests for all enrolled patients.
She stressed the importance of laboratory accreditation as a globally recognized measure of technical competence and assured that the accreditation certificate would be maintained.
