A laboratory superintendent here has noted that formal training for laboratory medical technologists has become increasingly difficult.
Speaking at a workshop geared at developing a National Strategic Plan for Medical Laboratories in Dominica, Catherina Jemmot, said lack of resources is a problem.
“The lack of resources affects the lab,” she stated. “Persons right now have to go and study on their own and the scholarships that we get from government right now are really few and far between and we have a lot of trainees on the bench who would like to go and study but it is really difficult for them.”
Jennifer Laville, Laboratory Superintendent (AG), pointed out that adequate laboratory services are critical in ensuring that the communities receive good clinical care.
She noted that the National Strategic Plan for Medical Laboratories will strengthen the current laboratory system and the overall health system in Dominica.
“There are many considerations for the National Laboratory Strategic Plan in Dominica,” she stated. “Issues to be addressed include technical, legal, quality, financial and logistical matters. Also the plan is a crucial component of efforts to improve lab support for clinical facilities and health needs.”
She added that one main challenge facing clinical labs everywhere is the lack of adequate space. According to her, this is required for the lab to provide safe and efficient service.
Laville also pointed out the introduction and sustainability of new tests and technologies, the supply chain of equipment and the provision of written equipment maintenance as other challenges faced by the lab.
“Key to addressing these is bridging the gap between care and treatment givers and the labs,” she stated. “Bridging the gaps requires a strong partnership among physicians, nurses, professionals in both the public and private laboratories and stake holders in the community.”
Why can’t the PMH Medical Lab work with the Dominica State College to have lab technologists trained and certified here? What is so difficult about making this part of the strategic plan? Nurses are trained right here at the State College in Dominica; Physicians are trained at two schools here in Dominica; Public Health practitioners are trained right here at the State College. I have been reading about the stortage of trained lab techs here for many years now and it seem to me that a way out of this challenge is to begin training them here.
The facility (Lab) for training Medical Technologists is a complete different environment used for training nurses. Some of the things a Medical technologist learns in training is not giving to nurses and physicians. The Lab must be fully equipt with all sorts of instuments and machines. Call on the Chinese!! it shouldn’t be that hard to do.
Glad you asked. We are in the year 2013.
Training for medical staff?? Why,… Gov’t can’t afford it, we need to save to build another palace, or a monument to our gods.
It just shows the priorities of the govt. Fancy state houses take priority over good medical facilities, supplies and advanced techniques equipment and training. Then they go elsewhere for good medical care.
I had an opportunity to visit the lab a few years ago, just to get a first -hand experience as to what happens there since, I was planning to study in a related field, nd I must say tht besides the professionalism of the technicians, many high school labs looked more equipped. For such an important place, I was really concerned about the level of input from the necessary authorities. Very basic equipments and materials weren’t available. surely many people will not want to spend so much time nd money to pursue studies just to come back and b frustrated by such conditions……Allu the best to ms laville and the entire staff.
to be honest i getting real sick of this kind of news,it is getting harder and harder to be a proud Dominican,is this 2013 or 1813.