Laboratory experts told to eschew unhealthy rivalry

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bekamas Medlabx and Diagnostics Centre, Mr Kojo Omono Asamoah, has urged those in the medical laboratory practice to avoid unhealthy rivalry and competition, likely to deny patients of comprehensive and better care.

“If we see ourselves as competitors, we are more likely to discard samples we cannot run rather than seeking help of other laboratories that have the capacity to run these tests.”

He said the expectation was that they would identify their strengths and weaknesses and ask for support in areas where they lacked the right tools and logistics.

He made the call during a free health screening exercise organized by the Centre at Mbrom in Kumasi on Tuesday.

This formed part of activities to celebrate its fifth anniversary; more than 140 people were screened for typhoid, malaria, diabetes and hypertension.

Mr Asamoah underlined the need for doctors to rely on laboratory and diagnostic procedures for efficient diagnosis and treatment of patients.

He criticized what had become known as the “diagnosis by impression,” because of the challenges associated with it.

He said the Centre’s goal was to provide fast, accurate and reliable laboratory services to patients, health facilities and companies.

As a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) accredited provider, he said they were proud to be associated with the scheme but dissatisfied with the low tariffs, payment schedules and management of the insurance capitation.

He, therefore, called for a review of the policy.