The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Edo Hospital Management Board and Ministry of Health joint chapter, has appealed to the State Government to tackle the challenges confronting its members in the state’s civil service.

The association made the call in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin by Mr Joe Apili, the Public Relations Officer, Edo Ministry of Health.

According to the statement, the Chairman of the association, Mr Agbonlahor Osaretin, made the plea when its newly-elected officials paid a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie.

Osaretin listed the challenges to include shortage of staff, equipment, training of members and delayed promotion, among others.

He said that the association was ready to partner with the ministry as stakeholders in the health sector.

The chairman further called for improvement of the welfare of the members of the association across the state.

However, he commended the commissioner for her efforts in ensuring industrial harmony in the healthcare system in the state.

In her remark, the commissioner assured that the state Government was committed to the training and retraining of all health workers.

She also promised that promotion of all cadres of medical personnel would be done as at when due.

Eregie said that the state government had entered into agreement with a firm in charge of the supply and installation of equipment at the new Central Hospital to train personnel that would handle the equipment.

She said that Gov. Adams Oshiomhole had vowed to approve all outstanding promotions in the state civil service before the end of his tenure.

The commissioner urged the members to work harmoniously with other cadres of staff, saying “this is to ensure improvement in health delivery service in the state.” (NAN)