By Justine John Dyikuk | Nigeria July 10, 2023 | La Croix International

In a nation that loses over US$750 million yearly to medical tourism, the recent development in Jos, north-central Nigeria where Our Lady of Apostles hospital made history as the first faith-based organisation to earn global laboratory accreditation in Nigeria has been described as a breakthrough for the health sector in the West African nation.

The hospital which belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos was classified as a five-star health provider to receive a global laboratory certification.

Catholic Archbishop Matthew Audu of Jos expressed delight that the move will give medical tests in the hospital the international acceptance and recognition they deserve. The Church-run hospital serves the need of Christians, Muslims and others at affordable rates, and can also be accessed by the poor.

Dr. Michael Elujoba, director of the medical laboratory said that investigations "will be carried out using blood, urine, stool and other body tissue to detect problem in the body." Elujoba explained that "the certificate is very important because it is a international standard organization. What it means is that laboratory has now been accredited internationally."

Sister Jovita Egwu, the hospital administrator described the development as an act of God maintained that "the role of laboratory service delivery and laboratory accreditation towards patients care is one of paramount importance. Crucial to effective health services are laboratory results that are accurate, reliable and timely." Also, "We are now the only faith-based accredited laboratory in Nigeria and one of the accredited laboratories in the world," she said.

Established in 1943, as one of the pioneer hospitals in Jos, the hospital began as a small maternity clinic by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles' from where it derived the name "maternity" in response to the unmet needs of maternal and child health care within the immediate, often impoverished community.

Over the years, the hospital which is currently managed by Our Lady of Fatima Sisters has been providing both secondary and tertiary health care to an average of 69,500 patients of the Nigerian public as well as foreign nationals.

The Catholic Church in Nigeria runs some 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide.