In many rural communities in Ondo State, including my home in Irele Local Government, a simple lab test can mean a long and costly journey to a general hospital or a private lab in town. Many patients are treated on guesswork. Children with sickle cell disease are often diagnosed late, after repeated crises. Pregnant women may miss tests for HIV, hepatitis B, anaemia and diabetes. Treatment without diagnosis wastes money and costs lives.
The proposal
I propose a law that guarantees every Ondo citizen access to essential lab tests within their own ward. It would:
- Set a minimum test package at every primary health centre: malaria, HIV, hepatitis B, blood sugar, haemoglobin, pregnancy and genotype screening.
- Create a statewide sample transport network. Trained riders would collect samples from rural PHCs on fixed schedules and carry them to accredited labs in our general hospitals and teaching hospitals. Results would come back by SMS within 72 hours. This would build on the sample transport systems already used for HIV and TB programmes.
- Introduce free newborn and premarital genotype screening. It would come with counselling, so families know their sickle cell status early.
- Require quality standards for all government labs, with trained lab staff and regular checks.
- Publish a public scorecard. It would report every quarter how many tests each LGA performed and how fast results came back, and the House of Assembly Committee on Health would oversee it.
Why it matters
Early diagnosis is cheaper than late treatment. This law would reduce preventable deaths, ease pressure on our hospitals, and give rural families the same chance at good health as people in the cities.
52 comments
It's encouraging that Ondo State has already placed standard laboratories in all 18 LGAs and offers free maternal and child care through the Abiyamo scheme. This proposal builds on that foundation by bringing those lab services closer to every ward through a sample transport link.
As far as I can find, Ondo State does not yet have a sickle cell law, while states like Kano, Kaduna, Anambra and Abia already do. In June 2026, the Federal Government began rolling out a Universal Newborn Screening Policy for Sickle Cell Disease, with health workers already being trained in the South-West. Adding free newborn genotype screening to the Abiyamo scheme would let Ondo lead the region.
Do you know your genotype? Should it be free for every newborn in Ondo State?
This is a very timely and impactful proposal. Access to timely and reliable laboratory diagnosis should not depend on whether someone lives in a rural community or an urban centre. I particularly appreciate the focus on newborn genotype screening and the sample transport network, as these could significantly improve early diagnosis and reduce preventable complications.
The quarterly public scorecard is also a great accountability measure. I strongly support this initiative and hope it receives the attention and policy action it deserves. Every patient deserves access to the right test at the right time, regardless of where they live.
This is a welcome development and timely owing to the fact that technology is advancing and we need to leverage on that to prioritise the wellbeing of our people.
Access to efficient laboratory service at affordable cost will go a long way in reducing health challenges facing rural communities, hence reducing mortality.
So this proposal is coming at the right time.
Very well thought out proposal. From a business and accountability perspective, this makes perfect sense.
Treatment without diagnosis is not just risky, it's wasteful. We spend more treating complications that could have been caught early with a simple N2,000 test. Your model - minimum test package at PHC level, riders to move samples, and results by SMS in 72hrs - is cost-efficient and scalable because it builds on what already works for HIV/TB programs.
What I love most is the public scorecard per LGA and House Committee oversight. That's how you ensure transparency and value for money.
Early diagnosis is cheaper than late treatment. This is how we save lives and save costs at the same time. Full support - let's see this get to the House of Assembly.
As someone who originates from Ondo State, this really hits home for me. This proposal can make a real difference at the grassroots, especially for people in rural communities who travel long distances just to get basic tests and treatment.
I would also suggest that the proposed law include proper care for people already living with sickle cell disease, including dedicated sickle cell units in selected hospitals, access to necessary treatment, counselling and proper management of crises.
Early diagnosis is important, but ensuring that those living with the condition can also receive proper care close to home is equally important. I hope this proposal gets the attention it deserves at the House of Assembly.
This is a very important proposal, especially for people living in rural communities where distance and cost often prevent timely diagnosis.
I particularly support the idea of a sample transport network connecting rural PHCs to accredited laboratories. However, for this to work effectively, there should also be proper monitoring of turnaround times, sample handling, and the availability of trained health workers at the PHC level.
I also believe newborn genotype screening should be made easily accessible and accompanied by proper counselling. Early knowledge can help families make informed decisions and potentially reduce the burden of sickle cell disease.
The key will be implementation, accountability, and ensuring that the policy reaches the people in the most underserved communities, not just the larger towns.
This is a very commendable proposal. The sample transport network especially stands out because it provides a realistic way to extend quality diagnostic services to communities where fully equipped laboratories may not be available. The focus on early diagnosis, accountability and quality control makes this even more meaningful.
This is a very commendable proposal.the focus to early prospect and quality control plan..
This is a very brilliant proposal.
This is a very solid idea. This kind of proposal serves as building blocks for future researcher and technologist to build on,this is one of the way by which we can create a better future for generations to come, doing basic health diagnosis right from small is very important, it helps you know your body system better, it was until the university I wanted to enter made it compulsory before I did my genotype and blood group test,and I was 22yrs already which shouldn't be, kudos to the brain behind this great proposal.
This is a very solid idea. This kind of proposal serves as building blocks for future researcher and technologist to build on,this is one of the way by which we can create a better future for generations to come, doing basic health diagnosis right from small is very important, it helps you know your body system better, it was until the university I wanted to enter made it compulsory before I did my genotype and blood group test,and I was 22yrs already which shouldn't be, kudos to the brain behind this great proposal.
This is a very solid idea. This kind of proposal serves as building blocks for future researcher and technologist to build on,this is one of the way by which we can create a better future for generations to come, doing basic health diagnosis right from small is very important, it helps you know your body system better, it was until the university I wanted to enter made it compulsory before I did my genotype and blood group test,and I was 22yrs already which shouldn't be, kudos to the brain behind this great proposal.
This is a very solid idea. This kind of proposal serves as building blocks for future researcher and technologist to build on,this is one of the way by which we can create a better future for generations to come, doing basic health diagnosis right from small is very important, it helps you know your body system better, it was until the university I wanted to enter made it compulsory before I did my genotype and blood group test,and I was 22yrs already which shouldn't be, kudos to the brain behind this great proposal.
This is more than a healthcare challenge—it is a reality that affects families, children, and entire communities. No one should have to travel long distances just to access a basic laboratory test. Bringing affordable and reliable diagnostic services closer to rural communities like Irele could mean earlier diagnosis, better treatment, fewer complications, and ultimately, saved lives. This is the kind of solution that can truly make healthcare more accessible and equitable. ❤️
This is a very impactful and practical proposal
This is a very good proposal that demands immediate attention. Well done!
This is a very thoughtful and commendable proposal. I fully support the Test Close to Home initiative.
As we all know, there can be no quality treatment without accurate diagnosis. In many of our rural PHCs, patients are still treated based on guesswork because there is no laboratory test available. This practice is dangerous and leads to wrong treatment, drug resistance and avoidable complications.
This policy idea is brilliant because it is practical and builds on what Ondo State has already achieved through the Abiyamo scheme and the presence of laboratories across the 18 LGAs. The introduction of a sample transport network with results sent via SMS will bridge the gap between the PHCs and the accredited labs without necessarily building new labs in every ward.
I particularly support the provision for free newborn and premarital genotype screening. I have seen firsthand how late diagnosis of sickle cell disease causes repeated crises, financial burden and emotional trauma for families. If we can make screening free at birth, we will save many children and help families make informed decisions.
The quarterly public scorecard for every LGA will also promote transparency and accountability.
Yes, I know my genotype and I strongly believe newborn screening should be made free in Ondo State. Every child deserves to know their genotype from day one.
I have read the full proposal and I give it my full support. I urge the Ondo State House of Assembly to consider and adopt this life-saving policy.
This addresses a real problem, and grounding it in Irele makes it concrete instead of abstract. The sample transport network stands out most to me, because it builds on a system that already works for HIV and TB instead of starting from scratch. A few thoughts that might strengthen it further:
Funding: the existing HIV and TB sample networks run largely on donor money. Without a dedicated budget line for reagents, riders and fuel, this risks becoming a promise on paper. Could the bill name its funding source?
Speed: most of the package (malaria, HIV, hepatitis B, blood sugar, haemoglobin, pregnancy) can be done as rapid tests at the PHC in minutes. A 72-hour target suits genotype, but a child with fever shouldn't wait three days for a malaria result. I'd separate same-visit tests from referred tests.
Follow-up: a diagnosis only helps if care follows. Positive results should be linked to treatment, and the scorecard should track that, not just the number of tests done.
Privacy: HIV and genotype results by SMS are risky where phones are shared. The SMS could say the result is ready, with the result given in person alongside counselling.
Overall, this is a well-researched proposal. The public scorecard and House Committee oversight show you've thought about accountability, which is where most health policies fall short. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
Thanks so much for the feedback so far. We the policy idea climb the leaderboard.
Thanks so much for the feedback so far. We hope to see the policy idea climb the leaderboard
This is a very important and practical policy idea. Bringing essential laboratory testing closer to rural communities could help reduce delays in diagnosis and improve access to timely healthcare. Free newborn and premarital genotype screening would also help families make informed decisions early. I hope this proposal receives the attention it deserves.
This is well put together. Bravo!👏
This is a timely and practical proposal. Bringing essential diagnostic services closer to rural communities could significantly reduce delays in treatment and help prevent avoidable complications. I particularly like the combination of sample transportation, SMS result delivery, and public scorecards it addresses both access and accountability. I hope this idea gets the attention and support needed to move from proposal to implementation.
> As a Nigerian who has seen how much people spend just to get a basic test done, I fully support this Test Close to Home proposal.
What struck me most is No. 2 and No. 3. Linking PHCs to accredited labs with SMS results will save many families in places like Irele the cost of travelling to Okitipupa or Akure for something that should be done in their ward. And free newborn/premarital genotype screening is long overdue - we cannot continue to discover sickle cell only after a child has suffered multiple crises.
I know my genotype and I believe every child born in Ondo State should have that knowledge from day one, free of charge. This is not just a health policy, it is about fairness and prevention.
With the labs already in all 18 LGAs and the Abiyamo scheme on ground, Ondo can actually make this work.
Weldon sir for this initiative.Its a good one👏👏👏
A practical proposal that could make healthcare more accessible in rural communities. Improving sample transportation and accountability can go a long way in ensuring people get timely and reliable testing.
Health care is a basic human right every citizen should have access to standard healthcare, regardless of where they reside.
Looking forward to this being implemented, this is a great initiative.
This is such a practical and people-centred proposal. Access to timely diagnosis should not depend on where someone lives or how much they can afford to travel. The sample transport system, early genotype screening, and public scorecard are especially commendable. I hope this receives the attention and action it deserves.
This is a very thoughtful proposal, you're going places bro.
This is awesome
This is a very nice initiative and I'll love to see where this project would lead to
This is a commendable and much-needed proposal. As a Medical Scientist, I strongly believe that access to quality laboratory diagnostic services is fundamental to effective healthcare delivery. Early and accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in disease prevention, timely treatment, and reducing avoidable deaths.
I particularly welcome the emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare laboratories, introducing a reliable sample transportation system, and ensuring quality assurance across government laboratories.
However, successful implementation will require adequate funding, qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists, proper equipment maintenance, reliable reagent supplies, and continuous quality monitoring.
Healthcare should not be determined by geographical location. Every citizen, whether in rural or urban Ondo State, deserves access to reliable and affordable diagnostic services. I sincerely hope this proposal moves beyond discussion into legislation and effective implementation. Well done on this initiative!👏🏽👏🏽
This is a very thoughtful proposal and it'll really help the state of health of rural communities in Ondo state.
Here are 3 short, supportive comments you can drop on the post - they sound real and supportive:
*Option 1 (Best for impact):*
> This is a brilliant and very timely proposal. As someone from Ondo State, I know how many people in rural areas suffer because of lack of timely lab tests. Making essential tests available at PHCs, plus free newborn genotype screening, will save so many children from preventable crises. This truly builds on the good work of Abiyamo. I fully support the Test Close to Home bill. Yes, newborn screening should be FREE.
*Option 2 (Short & Personal):*
> Very commendable idea! Early and accurate diagnosis is everything in Laboratory Medicine. Linking our PHCs to accredited labs and sending results by SMS is a game changer for Irele and other rural communities. I know my genotype (AS) and I strongly believe every newborn in Ondo should know theirs for free from day one. Well done!
*Option 3 (Straight support):*
> I support this 100%. No one should travel far or be treated by guesswork in 2026. Free premarital and newborn genotype screening alone will prevent so much pain for families with sickle cell. Ondo has the lab structure across 18 LGAs already, let's make it work for the people. Kudos on this proposal!
Use *Option 1* - it covers all the key points and answers his questions directly.
This is a brilliant and very timely proposal. I know many people in rural areas suffer because of lack of timely lab tests. Making essential tests available at PHCs, plus free newborn genotype screening, will save so many children from preventable crises. This truly builds on the good work of Abiyamo. I fully support the Test Close to Home bill. Yes, newborn screening should be FREE.
This is a brilliant and very timely initiatives. Looking forward to see it being implemented
This is a very good proposal and it demands immediate attention. Well done, sir!
This is a very nice initiatives.
A huge thank you to everyone for the incredible engagement! Having this level engagement has pushed this diagnostics bill to the top.
Reading through your feedback, I see a strong consensus that rural health equity is long overdue. To address the main themes raised in the comments:
• On Logistics & Feasibility: Building this on top of existing HIV/TB transport loops drastically reduces setup costs. It turns an underutilized network into a statewide asset.
• On Sustainability: Shifting from guesswork treatment to early diagnosis saves the state money on expensive late-stage emergency care.
• On Accountability: The public scorecard and quarterly House Committee oversight are non-negotiable pillars to ensure this doesn't become a "paper law."
I have noted all points and suggestions raised. I look forward to seeing this policy idea becoming the highest-ranked idea.
Let's keep pushing for an Ondo State where your geography doesn't determine your survival!
God bless Nigeria!
God bless Ondo State!
Amazing policy. A policy idea definitely worth looking into by the Ondo State government
This is a laudable policy idea. I believe it would be of great benefit if implemented.
Beautiful policy idea. Hope it gets the needed attention.
A great insight from a deep thinker. The initiative will really help the state of health of rural communities in Ondo State if implemented.
This is really perfect if implemented properly 💪
This is really perfect if implemented properly 💪
This is really perfect if implemented properly 💪
Dear all, thank you very much for your comments so far. We hope to see this policy proposal gain momentum on the leaderboard and reach lawmakers for implementation.
Please, let's keep the comment flowing in. This means a lot. Thank you all.
We hope this policy idea gains more traction, so it can be pushed to the right desk for implementation.
I am realĺy excited to see the momentum this policy idea is getting. I look forward to seeing it implemented.
I am realĺy excited to see the momentum this policy idea is getting. I look forward to seeing it implemented.
This policy deserves the right attention. Let's give it more traction.
A very interesting proposal I'll say