Health Ministry, NMA and MLSCN Endorse Medic West Africa 2013

Organizers of the largest medical laboratory event in West Africa have told HealthNewsNG this year's event has been endorsed by stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector including the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

The endorsements, according to Sanjay Sehgal, Exhibition Director, Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, organizers of Medic West Africa, is a demonstration of the Nigerian health sector stakeholders' perception of education as the impetus for improving quality of healthcare in West Africa.

"We have Government support from the NMA (Nigerian Medical Association) and we are also endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. We are very grateful for their support, and like us, they see education as the key to driving up standards of healthcare across the region," Sehgal said.

In return, the organizers are also encouraging local exhibitors at the event.

"We are encouraging local exhibitors by ensuring that when they do participate, the right type of visitors come to the show. This ranges from C-level decision-makers through to end-users," he said.

On what is unique about Medic West Africa, he noted that exhibitors and attendees are more enthusiastic. 

"I think one of the key differences is the enthusiasm of both visitors and exhibitors to embrace change. We had record numbers turn up at the launch of Medic West Africa 2012 and instantly became the largest healthcare event in West Africa. Exhibitors embraced the market and while there is still a long way to go, I hope that the show can act as a catalyst to bring positive change to healthcare in West Africa," he said.

He added that this year's event is aimed at continuing the extremely promising 2012 debut of Medic West Africa show.

"As long as we can continue to help to introduce new technology, continue to drive education and ensure that the positive communication between healthcare professionals continues, and then I think that will be a good achievement for Medic West Africa 2013," he said.