Medical lab technicians demand administrative roles in hospitals
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Citing that 75% of all medical decisions originate from laboratory findings, Mr Okeke, who holds a PhD in medical laboratory sciences, argued that it is only logical that lab professionals also be considered for administrative and managerial roles within health facilities
Medical laboratory technicians are urging the government to reconsider a policy that reserves managerial posts in healthcare institutions exclusively for nurses, clinical officers, and physicians, thereby preventing lab techs from taking up leadership positions.
Speaking under their umbrella body, the Uganda Medical Laboratory Technology Professional Association (UMLTA), the technicians said this exclusion limits their visibility and reinforces public misconceptions that they are less educated or unfit to be considered part of the mainstream medical fraternity. Yet, they argue, they are the foundation of accurate diagnosis and treatment, as nearly all clinical decisions rely on lab results.
"The policy restricts us to working within laboratories, leading to the public frequently disregarding our importance in the healthcare sector," stated Mr Eric Okeke, who has just been appointed as the new UMLTA president, during an interview with Daily Monitor on Tuesday.
Mr Okeke emphasized that laboratory professionals including biochemists, biotechnologists, and zoologists are highly trained experts who study molecular biology and design diagnostic tools critical for identifying diseases before doctors prescribe treatment.
He stated, 'While doctors concentrate on clinical symptoms, laboratory experts create the molecular structures and analyze the test results that either validate or refute a diagnosis.'
Citing that 75% of all medical decisions originate from laboratory findings, Mr Okeke, who holds a PhD in medical laboratory sciences, argued that it is only logical that lab professionals also be considered for administrative and managerial roles within health facilities.
The health ministry's policy of restricting managerial positions solely to physicians, clinical staff, and occasionally nurses is outdated and biased," he stated. "There are numerous qualified laboratory professionals who possess both administrative expertise and management skills, so we should adopt a more comprehensive approach.
Mr. Okeke highlighted that his administration intends to push for reforms in collaboration with important parties such as the Equal Opportunities Commission, aiming to make leadership roles more accessible to laboratory professionals.
"You don't have to be a pediatrician to run a healthcare center. It just requires having the appropriate degree and administrative skills, which many of our members already have," he said additionally.
He admitted that one aspect of the difficulty lies in the 'unseen' character of their role. "Laboratory experts operate out of the spotlight, hence patients typically interact mainly with physicians and nurses," he explained. "It's similar to dining at a restaurant where people usually pay attention only to the server rather than the cook who actually prepares the food."
Mr. Okeke observed a change in public attitude, with an increasing number of Ugandans proactively using lab services for tests like HIV, malaria, and blood glucose levels prior to seeing a physician.
In an effort to increase public awareness and engagement, UMLTA organized a National Laboratory Day on Saturday at Lira City Mayor’s Gardens. During this event, attendees had access to complimentary screenings for malaria, HIV, sickle cell disease, and blood pressure. Additionally, there was a blood donation initiative conducted during the gathering.
The ceremony was led by Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ochero, who reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing laboratory services.
There can be no successful treatment without precise laboratory tests," stated Dr. Aceng. "That’s why the NRM administration has made it a priority to set up advanced laboratories nationwide—ones that are fully equipped and manned by competent experts.
She mentioned that five recently constructed regional laboratories, which include one at the Lira Regional Referral Hospital, have received accreditation to international standards and are equipped to handle global disease outbreak responses.
Background
The Uganda Medical Laboratory Technology Professional Association (UMLTA) is the professional body representing lab technologists and technicians in the country. Its regulatory authority is the Allied Health Professionals Council, established by an Act of Parliament.
The Medical Laboratory Professionals Week started in 1975 in the United States and is now observed through the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).
During National Laboratory Day 2025 in Uganda, which took place in Lira City, the event formed an integral part of the global observance lasting from April 20 to 26. This celebration honored the vital contributions made by laboratory professionals to contemporary medical practices.
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