08 Jun 2024

Medical laboratories in healthcare provision are the cornerstone of diagnostic accuracy, providing crucial information that guide medical decisions and ultimately impacting patient outcomes.

As such, those in the field should embrace quality for better health results, says Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe during the handing over ceremony of accreditation certificate to Optimum Health Medical Laboratory June 6.

Mr Lelatisitswe said it was imperative to ensure the reliability and accuracy of laboratory testing to the delivery of quality healthcare services.

He recognised the commitment and determination of Optimum Health Medical Laboratory team in developing and implementing a patient focused Quality Management System that had been recognised by the regional Accreditation Body, Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS), to be in line with the requirements of ISO standards.

 “It demonstrates their adherence to stringent standards, their commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to providing accurate and reliable test results to healthcare providers and patients alike,” he said.

He further stated that accreditation meant commitment to producing quality results that could be recognised by international healthcare providers.

Mr Lelatisitswe, therefore, urged all health providers to recommit themselves to the principles of quality, accuracy, and patient-centered care.

“Let us continue to uphold the highest standards in medical laboratory services, strive to improve and innovate for the betterment of our healthcare system and the well-being of our communities,” he said.

Handing over the certificate, SADCAS Chief Executive Officer, Ms Eve Gadzikwa acknowledged Optimum Health Laboratory for its accreditation to the international ISO 15189:2012 for Blood Bank, clinical chemistry, immunology, serology and microbiology.

Ms Gadzikwa indicated that Optimum Health Laboratory was now an international recognised testing laboratory.

She highlighted that the benefits and importance of accreditation in medical testing was an assurance that the medical laboratory services played a pivotal role in ensuring that patients received the most appropriate treatment and care.

She said it was imperative that medical laboratories effectively meet the needs of all patients and clinical personnel responsible for patient care.

“The laboratory’s aim is not only to provide accurate results, but to do so for the right patient within a meaningful timeframe with regard to clinical management, using appropriate laboratory procedures and with respect to ethics, confidentiality and the safety of the patient,” she said.

Earlier on, the Laboratory Director, Mr Desire Mhlabi said Optimum Health Laboratory founded in January 2018 now had staff complement of 44 having started off with seven.

He noted that in 2021, Optimum Health Laboratory was identified as a referral facility for the Botswana National Health Laboratory.

“The accreditation is a start of a journey with commitment, excellence, quality testing services, on time and affordable services,” he said. ENDS