INTRODUCTION : NABL provides certification under MELT Program for the peripheral labs based on the quality standards adopted to ensure Quality Assurance (QA). The laboratories in PHCs in Tamil Nadu have been consistently involved in the QA Program and are eligible to apply for NABL Certification. By taking part in this program, laboratories can improve their performance and ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality. This, in turn, helps to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to the community.
AIM : To obtain NABL certification under the MELT Program to ensure the laboratory's commitment to deliver reliable and reproducible diagnostic test results ensuring appropriate treatment in a primary health care setting.
OBJECTIVE : To obtain NABL Certification under MELT Program for the Laboratories in PHCs in Tamil Nadu
METHODOLOGY : NABL certification process involves a series of assessments and evaluations to determine the laboratory's compliance with the NABL standards. State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) of DPH&PM has facilitated this process by conducting online training to District Microbiologists and Laboratory Technicians of PHCs to understand the essential component required for NABL Certification. All the 2127 PHC laboratories in Tamil Nadu were registered under Medical Entry Level Testing (MELT) during Sep 2023 and uploaded all the vital documents. NABL assessors evaluated the laboratory's infrastructure, equipment, personnel, procedures, and performance in EQAS and proceed further for issue or denial of certification process.
RESULTS : Out of 2127 PHCs in Tamil Nadu, a total of 1622 Laboratories in Primary Health Centre (76%) have received the NABL certification under MELT program in Oct 2023. Five districts have also achieved 100% of their PHC labs obtaining NABL Certification.
CONCLUSION : Quality of laboratory investigations are paramount importance to deliver reliable and reproducible test results in the primary health care centres to serve the community. Participation in NABL certification program ensures credibility of the laboratory system in PHCs and also contributes to the overall development and improvement of primary healthcare systems in Tamil Nadu.