Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe Leads in Laboratory Accreditation, Strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare System
In a significant boost for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe (FTHG), under the leadership of Chief Medical Director Dr. Yusuf M. Abdullahi, has emerged as a leader in medical laboratory excellence with its recent dual accreditation under ISO 15189:2022 by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and ISO 15189:2012 by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). The accreditation, presented by Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, highlights FTHG’s commitment to high-quality diagnostic services, reinforcing its role as a premier healthcare institution in the country.
At the prestigious accreditation ceremony, Dr. Tosan Erhabor, Registrar/CEO of the MLSCN, commended FTHG’s efforts, emphasizing its dedication to upholding global best practices. He stated, “The accreditation of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality healthcare. This achievement ensures that patients receive accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostic services, which are essential for effective medical treatment and disease management.”
FTHG’s accreditation aligns with the broader national effort to elevate medical laboratory standards across Nigeria. The hospital, known for its specialized healthcare services, now stands among the select institutions accredited under the globally recognized ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratory testing and molecular diagnostics. This accreditation not only enhances FTHG’s reputation as a center of excellence but also strengthens Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure by ensuring that laboratory results meet international quality benchmarks.
At the event, the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) was also re-accredited by SANAS under ISO 17043 standards. NEQAL plays a crucial role in maintaining high laboratory standards across the country by ensuring external quality assurance in diagnostics. Additionally, the MLSCN’s External Quality Assurance Proficiency Testing (EQA/PT ELITE EQAPT) scheme has been administered to over 2,000 laboratories nationwide, helping to combat diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS by ensuring diagnostic accuracy.
Despite these advancements, participation in External Quality Assurance Proficiency Testing (EQAPT) among public and private laboratories remains inconsistent. The Registrar of MLSCN urged more medical laboratories to seek accreditation, emphasizing its role in safeguarding public health and supporting the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative. He added, “We need more medical laboratories to embrace accreditation as a mark of technical competence. Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe has set a standard that others should follow. Quality diagnostics are critical to improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.”
As one of the latest institutions to achieve dual ISO accreditation, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe has reaffirmed its status as a leading healthcare provider in Nigeria. Its commitment to quality diagnostic services strengthens not only Gombe State’s healthcare system but also contributes to the national goal of achieving world-class medical laboratory standards. With this milestone, FTHG joins an elite group of medical laboratories dedicated to precision, reliability, and excellence in patient care, ensuring that Nigerians receive the best possible healthcare services.