A renewed and resounding call for recognition and inclusion in healthcare leadership has been made by the Society of Medical Laboratory Managers (SMLM), operating under the umbrella of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS). The call was made during the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society, held from 24th to 25th July 2025 at Hotel Stevens in Ho, Volta Region.
The event, which attracted high-level policymakers and health professionals, was held under the theme: “Medical Laboratory Managers’ Involvement in the Core Management; A Necessity in Restructuring Healthcare Delivery in Ghana.” It was chaired by Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State. The Chairman of SMLM-G, Dr. David S. Sackey, served as host, with Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, and Hon. Edem Kpotosu, MP for Ho Central Constituency, as Special Guests.
Addressing participants, Dr. Sackey lamented the ongoing marginalisation of laboratory professionals in the leadership structures of Ghana’s healthcare system. He described the profession as “a pillar of the system, yet consistently sidelined,” stressing the need for urgent reforms to ensure representation in decision-making.
“For over fifty years, this profession has served Ghana faithfully, yet we continue to be treated as mere support staff,” he said to loud applause. “That must end. Laboratory managers belong at the decision-making table, not on the sidelines.”
Dr. Sackey pointed out the contradiction in healthcare leadership structures where doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are well represented, while medical laboratory scientists—who produce over 70% of diagnostic data—remain excluded. This, he said, has contributed to inefficiencies in the system, including supply delays and diagnostic equipment failures.
He emphasized the evolution of the profession, noting that many laboratory professionals now hold advanced degrees, including Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science and specialty fellowships, making them fully capable of leading health institutions and shaping national policy.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences at UHAS, called for a paradigm shift that fully incorporates lab professionals in leadership. Prof. Samuel A. Kaba, Director General of the Ghana Health Service and Guest of Honour, also acknowledged the critical role of diagnostics in health systems and the need for inclusive governance.
Dr. Eric Kofi Aidoo, President of GAMLS, cited Section 37, subsection 1(a)(iv) of the Ghana Health and Teaching Hospitals Act 1996 (Act 525) as Amended, which provides for allied health professionals, including lab scientists, to be represented on Teaching Hospital Boards. He, however, expressed concern over the lack of implementation, especially regarding the Laboratory Clinical Unit.
The Public Relations Officer of GAMLS, Dr. Gloria Amegatcher echoed the call, emphasizing that lab managers are key to accurate diagnostics, standard compliance, team leadership, and disease surveillance—all essential for evidence-based policy. “Excluding them weakens the very foundation of healthcare reform,” she warned.
SMLM and GAMLS are therefore urging the Ministry of Health, Parliament, and all relevant stakeholders to act decisively. “The time for token inclusion is over,” the PRO stated. “Lab managers must be empowered and integrated fully into health governance structures to ensure better outcomes for patients and the nation.”
