The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has taken note of recent events and number of COVID-19 cases reported in Ghana.
The professional body anticipates the President of Ghana will address the nation anytime soon and seek to put some expectations forward to help the country to win the war against COVID-19.
GAMLS having assessed the increasing number of infections being reported by the GHS and the lack of adherence to the preventive measures prescribed by the Ministry of Health, states the following;
1. That the borders of Ghana should remain closed until the daily infectivity rate of the virus begins to fall and all alternative measures are put in place.
2. That there should not be total lifting of ban on social gathering as already in place. The measures in place should be enforced strictly.
3. That all safety requirements for testing at all centers should be adequately put in place.
4. That testing will immediately be expanded to at least each region, if not to all district capitals, to enable prompt testing of patients for treatment and management. Specifically, the procurement of cartridges to use the GeneXpert (TB analyzer for COVID-19 testing) should be facilitated.
5. That mass testing be initiated across the country to be able to ascertain the true burden of the disease in Ghana. This is the surest way to be sure of winning the battle against the pandemic.
6. That directions on the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in the battle against COVID-19 will be proffered especially when locally manufactured kits are available for validation and deployment.
7. That a policy direction, especially concerning Medical Laboratory practice, will be given to ensure the investments in the health sector promised by the President in his previous address do not go waste as the sector has been neglected over the years as alluded by the President of Ghana.
8. That update on the three Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ghana will be given.
9. That gallant Medical Laboratory Scientists who have been infected in the line of their duty will not be neglected as they fight the infection.
10. That with immediate effect, government should get the qualified but unemployed professionals to come and support in the health facilities as we battle COVID-19.
GAMLS calls for the provision of the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for routine use and COVID-19 patient testing for medical laboratory professionals and all health workers. The public is encouraged to respect the directive by the President and strictly maintain good personal hygiene practices.
Laboratory regards.
Dr. Dennis Adu-Gyasi, FWAPCMLS (Immunol)
GAMLS, PUBLIC RELATIONS
