24 hours as a Biomedical Scientist in Zambia's Ministry of Health
7 Nov 2024
Mwelwa Chilekwa believes that technology can help overcome most of the challenges faced by his laboratory.
In this guest blog post, submitted as part of the global #CLINICAL24 conversation, Mwelwa Chilekwa, from Zambia, shares his insights and experiences as a Biomedical Scientist at the Chipata Central Hospital Laboratory, Ministry of Health, for the Zambian Government. Discover his role in clinical laboratory science, uncover his daily challenges and find out how technology could help to provide solutions.
About my job as a Biomedical Scientist in Zambia
I hold two administrative roles at the facility – Biosafety and Biosecurity Officer and Deputy Logistics Manager. My days at work usually involve logistics activities that include maintaining stock levels of laboratory commodities, engagements with stake holders, collaboration with procurement, and processing and analysis of patient samples.
Biggest challenges as a Biomedical Scientist
I face a number of challenges in my role. Clerical errors on patient details, and poor collaboration between clinicians and laboratory staff attribute to miscommunication and delays in service delivery. We have an inefficient logistics system, long procedures in the procurement process, and a poor supply chain. Plus, we have no biobanking system for microbiology organisms which compromises biosecurity.
How technology supports my work
Technology can help overcome most of these challenges. For example if we had a system that would allow clinicians to view patient results from wherever they are within the facility, it could solve the problem of delays in service delivery. However, currently in our case, clinicians have to walk to the laboratory to collect printouts of patient results. Many more challenges that might not have been mentioned in this blog could be solved with technology. DISA is a laboratory system currently being used but it has its own limitations.