The Concerned Doctors of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS.D) have issued a strong warning over what they describe as a growing national crisis—the prolonged unemployment of more than 1,000 highly trained laboratory doctors who have been left jobless for the past six years.
In a press statement, the group said their continued unemployment poses a direct danger to patient safety and undermines the quality of healthcare delivery in Ghana.
“This is no longer just a personal or economic challenge; it has become a national issue that undermines the foundation of effective medical treatment,” the statement stressed.
According to the group, the affected graduates completed six years of intensive training in fields such as Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics and forensic analytical techniques. Despite their specialised expertise in early disease detection, diagnosis and surveillance, they remain outside the health system.
“Our expertise places us at the forefront of modern diagnostic medicine, yet we are left unemployed at a time when Ghana needs us most,” said Dr. Essuman Dadzie, one of the spokespersons.
They warned that the country’s diagnostic capacity is overstretched, forcing patients to endure long delays in receiving critical laboratory results due to understaffed health facilities. This, they argued, carries serious implications for national health goals, including Ghana’s commitment to diagnosing at least 95% of all persons living with HIV.
“Every Ghanaian deserves accurate and timely laboratory diagnosis, but this cannot be achieved when trained professionals remain idle,” added Dr. Kwasi Asante Otchere.
The group also referenced recent remarks by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang at ICASA 2025, which highlighted the need for an inclusive and resilient health system.
The MLS.D graduates have therefore urged the Minister of Health, the Minister of Finance and the Presidency to urgently intervene by granting financial clearance for their recruitment. They also demanded full integration into Ghana’s healthcare structure as essential contributors to clinical decision-making and disease prevention.
“How can a nation achieve quality healthcare when its human capital is left to waste away?” the group queried, adding that the workload on currently employed laboratory professionals has become unbearable.
They emphasised that recruiting them is not a favour but a national necessity aligned with Ghana’s broader goals of strengthening health systems and improving public health outcomes.
“Honourable Ministers, the time to act is now,” said Dr. Precious Achana. “Employing the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science graduates is essential to safeguarding patient safety and enhancing healthcare quality in Ghana.”
Source: Wesleyannews.com
Do you have a story to share? Send it to our editorial team at editor@wesleyannews.com
 have issued a strong warning over what they describe as a growing national crisis—the prolonged unemployment of more than 1,000 highly trained laboratory doctors who have been left jobless for the past six years.){kind=link}