The WHO Philippines, led by Dr Soe Nyunt-U, was one of the speakers and witness to the launch of the National Health Laboratory Network and Strategic Plan for National Health Laboratory Network, which took place at the H20 Hotel in Luneta, Manila recently.
The ceremonial signing of the National Framework, on behalf of DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, was done by Health Undersecretary Dr David Lozada.
The health laboratory is recognized as an integral part of the overall health care delivery system. The laboratory is often the major source of data in the rapid identification and prevention of communicable diseases. In order to optimize their utilization, the health laboratories will be organized into a coordinated laboratory network.
In 2010, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office transmitted a document “Asia Pacific Strategy for the Strengthening of Health Laboratories.” The strategy had been approved in the 2009 Western Pacific Regional Committee Meeting. Pursuant to DOH’s commitment, a Task Force LABNET was tasked to formulate the Strategic Plan for the National Health Laboratory Network (NHLN). This provided the opportunity to realize the vision to establish a functional network.
Dr Tomas Maramba, overall chairman, Technical Working Group of the Strategic Plan, introduced the members of the Task Force LABNET, and later presented the Strategic Plan.
Reactors came from different organizations such as the Philippine Society of Pathologists, Association of Medical technologists , Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories , and the National Children’s Hospital.
The President of Philippine Hospital Association, Dr Bu Castro and WHO Representative Dr Soe Nyunt-U led the Expression of Support. Both signed their names in the Pledge of Commitment, as well as the other guests and participants to the event.