Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited (NIP) has solidified its standing among the global elite by earning international recognition for significant advancements in medical laboratory sciences through the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).
This remarkable achievement was unveiled during the Sixth Biennial Conference of the ASLM, which took place from 12 to 15 December 2023, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
According to a statement, a total of 14 NIP laboratories have been accredited by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), aligning with the esteemed international standard ISO 15189.
The journey toward accreditation has been rigorous and comprehensive, driven by a commitment to enhancing the quality of medical laboratory services in Namibia.
In pursuit of broader accreditation, 34 NIP laboratories actively participated in the Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA) and Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) programs.
These programs, tailored for resource-limited settings typical of many developing countries, have played a pivotal role in expediting the quality improvement journey towards accreditation.
The recent award, recognizing the outstanding accomplishment of 38 percent of SLMTA laboratories achieving accreditation, was received by Kapena Tjombonde, the Chief Executive Officer of NIP.
“This accolade is not merely a statistic but a testament to NIP’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Accreditation to the ISO 15189 standard is not just a badge but a rigorous endorsement of a laboratory’s technical competence, ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and timeliness of test results,” she said.
Tjombonde added that for clients of NIP, this achievement translates into tangible benefits, instilling an even greater sense of confidence and peace of mind. ISO 15189 international accreditation signifies adherence to global best practices in the field of pathology testing.
She said it guarantees that every test conducted and every result delivered meets the highest benchmarks of accuracy and reliability – a crucial requirement in healthcare and research.
“The journey to accreditation is continuous, reflecting NIP’s dedication to perpetual growth and improvement. Clients of NIP are partners in this journey, reaping the benefits of services that are consistently evolving, innovating, and leading the charge in laboratory medicine,” she said.
NIP’s ascent to being ranked among the top African countries with numerous accredited laboratories is not merely a milestone; it is a resounding affirmation of its unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and top-tier client service.
The ASLM, an independent international organization endorsed by the African Union (AU) and supported by various African Ministries of Health through its Ministerial Call for Action, is pivotal in improving access to world-class medical diagnostic services across Africa.
It is the first pan-African society for laboratory professionals, dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of African communities through enhanced diagnostic capabilities. NIP’s recognition by ASLM underscores its contribution to elevating medical laboratory standards in the region and beyond.
