UNICAL VC Warns Lab Inductees

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor James Epoke, has warned inductees into the Medical Laboratory Science not to engage in unethical practices because the consequences of any obnoxious acts are grave.

Professor Epoke, who was speaking at the induction of 105 graduates of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science of the university over the weekend, told the inductees that their induction is the swearing to an oath which is a sacred exercise to conform to the ethical code of the medical profession and should be taken seriously as it involves human life which is sacred.

“This oath involves dealing with lives and you have done this with the Holy Bible not as the one in Okija shrine which is tantamount to automatic death in case of contravention, but before God whose justice is slow but must surely come. I, therefore, call on you to uphold the ethics of this career you have chosen at all times,” Epoke warned.

He said the university has spent five years and in some cases more to put those  in the profession through the crucible to ensure they come out fully qualified because “you are the eye of the patient and have to see they get adequate treatment which begins with the correct laboratory investigation without which any treatment is like shooting in the dark.”

Professor Epoke said the medical profession is team work and to meet the medical needs of patients, they should not be in a hurry to make money by starting their solo practice without adequate equipment but should team up with others who are established and have facilities to ensure that they give their clients the best.

“You should not just go out there with one syringe and say you have started your practice, team up with those who have the facilities before venturing out on your own,” he said.

The Registrar and the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Professor Anthony Emeribe, who conducted the ceremony, also called on the inductees to conform in their practice to the oath they have sworn to.

“To the inductees, today’s occasion goes with many personal challenges, yet, there are high expectations from your parents, guardians, lecturers and the university authority, friends, and well wishers. I believe you will not afford to fail them when you start your practice,” he said.

He said it was to safe-guard lives that the council and the university ensured that they are qualified both in character and in learning before being inducted as professionals qualified to practise.

Professor Emeribe urged the inductees to keep pace with what he calls dynamism of the profession through continuous self-development.

“Council is embarking on a number of projects, programmes and policies to facilitate your smooth practice as medical laboratory scientists,”  he said; listing some of those programmes and policies to include continuous collaboration with other national and international bodies  such as USAID and John Hopskin University to provide training for laboratory scientists in Nigeria.

—Emma Una/Calabar