The Department of Medical Laboratory Services (DMLS) is the technical arm of the Ondo State Ministry of Health responsible for overseeing, regulating, and strengthening all medical laboratory services across the State. Its central role is to ensure that accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory diagnostics are available to support effective healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and outbreak response.

 

The Department provides policy direction, supervises laboratory operations in public health and hospital facilities, and works closely with partners to enhance laboratory capacity. It also ensures that all laboratories in the State maintain high standards of quality management, biosafety, and ethical practices, in line with national and international best practices.

 

Core Responsibilities

ü Coordinating and supervising laboratory services in all tiers of the healthcare system.

ü Strengthening disease surveillance and epidemic response through laboratory diagnosis, monitoring, and reporting.

ü Providing technical guidance on quality assurance, biosafety, and accreditation of laboratories.

ü Supporting capacity building and continuous professional development for Medical Laboratory Scientists and other laboratory personnel.

ü Managing the State Public Health Laboratory and other specialized laboratories, including those for molecular diagnostics and epidemic-prone diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, and COVID-19.

ü Promoting the use of modern technology, including digital data management platforms such as the Electronic National Laboratory Information System (e-NLIS).

ü Facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization with local, national, and international agencies to strengthen laboratory infrastructure and services.

 

Strategic Role in Health Care

Medical laboratories are the backbone of disease diagnosis and public health surveillance. The Department of Medical Laboratory Services ensures that Ondo State has a strong, reliable, and responsive laboratory system capable of detecting diseases early, guiding treatment decisions, and supporting rapid response during public health emergencies. By focusing on quality, innovation, and collaboration, the Department plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of the people and strengthening the overall healthcare delivery system.

“Laboratory Excellence, Public Health Assurance.”