Brief History
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Until the year 2000, Ghana had 80 registered Medical laboratory Scientists, 40 of whom had the highest qualification of a Diploma which could be obtained only by training overseas. This figure was found to be woefully inadequate per the then World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of about 3000 Medical laboratory Scientists for the country. Therefore, upon the request of the Ministry of Health, the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences of the School of Allied Health Sciences was established in 2001 to train Medical laboratory Scientists who would qualify to practice with a Bachelor of Science degree. Based on a formal agreement between the Ministry of Health and the University, the former handed over all its assets (including buildings and equipment) to the school for the commencement of the programme.
The programme commenced with five permanent staff, assisted by other part-time lecturers. After the initial enrolment of 11 diploma students into level 300 (third year) for the B.Sc. programme, the Department trained 75 others from various parts of the country to the diploma level alongside the B.Sc. discipline until 2011 when the diploma programme was terminated.
Across the sub-region, the Department has made some impressive contribution to the training of international students most of whom are Nigerians. Following the civil war in Sierra Leone, the WHO in response to an appeal to support the country’s failing health sector, requested the Department to train 11 of their citizens in 2010 for the award of a diploma in its Medical Laboratory programme. The students successfully graduated in 2011 and have since returned to strengthen the health sector of Sierra Leone. Since the commencement of its Master of Science (MSc.) programme in 2013, the department has again trained 45 West African students from Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya. To date, the department has altogether, trained 1,190 students over the past 17 years.
Past students of the department are currently working as top-level medical laboratory scientists in major laboratories in this country namely, Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Police Hospital, Military Hospital and Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, just to mention a few. Others have joined reputable research entities such as the Nouguchi Memorial Research Institutes. Four (4) of such past students have returned with qualifications at the doctoral level, to improve the number and quality of faculty.
The Department has had 4 heads ran its administrative affairs since its inception:
• 1st Head of Department – Professor Ayeh-Kumi; 2000-2008
• 2nd Head of Department – Dr. Charles Brown, 2008- 2013
• 3rd Head of Department -Dr. Richard Harry Asmah, 2013-2017
• 4th Head of Department- Professor George Awuku Asare , 2017-to-date.
The Department is made up of four units. The units are functionally independent. However, the strong sense of collaboration among them ensures that the fundamental objective of the Department is achieved. The units are as follows:
• Chemical Pathology
This unit employs didactic and practical approaches in explaining the importance of biochemical analyses of body fluids involved in screening, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of diseases.
• Pathology
This unit also provides facilities and equipment for the examination of body tissues and fluids.
• Haematology
This unit also carries out diagnostic tests related to the use of blood.
• Microbiology
This unit is also are responsible for identifying causative agents of various infectious diseases and help determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, when appropriate.
Programme
The B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Science Programme is a four-year professional programme. The second year courses cover broad areas of Medical laboratory Science. There are Clinical laboratory training periods during the long vacations between semesters four (4) and five (5), and six (6) and seven (7). The Department undertakes these specialties; Chemical Pathology, Cytotechnology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Histotechnology and Microbiology. Each student selects one specialty to specialize in during the final year, and undertakes a research project in that area of specialization.
Over the years, land mark projects have been undertaken in the following areas;
• Haptoglobin Polymorphism and Malaria
• Histological dyes from natural products
• Prostate and phytotherapy
• Hormonal Contraceptives and cardiovascular risk
• Oxidative stress and Preeclampsia
• Diet and Genetics
Core Program Values:
- Academic Excellence and Professionalism: To uphold high academic standards and ensure that all students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers in the medical laboratory sciences.
- Collaboration and Collegiality: To foster an environment of collaboration and collegiality among our students, faculty, and staff to promote a supportive and respectful learning environment.
- Quality and Accountability: To maintain a commitment to quality in all aspects of our program and hold ourselves accountable for achieving the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and service.
- Lifelong Learning and Personal Well-Being: Our department recognizes the importance of lifelong learning in the success of our students and encourages them to engage in ongoing professional development and self-care.
- Social Responsibility and Diversity: Our department is committed to promoting social responsibility and diversity in our program by respecting and appreciating differences among our students and ensuring that they are equipped to serve diverse patient populations.