Date: June 2024 – September 2027
Country : Uzbekistan
IQLS is part of a consortium led by GITEC-IGIP GmbH, to Modernize Multiprofile Medical Centers in Uzbekistan, phase IV. The goal of this project is to improve the quality, efficiency and sustainability of health service delivery in Uzbekistan through an effective modern laboratory diagnostics system. To achieve this, modern laboratory equipment will be provided to the newly established National Pediatric Reference Laboratory (NPRL) and peripheral laboratories, as well as renovations of selected oblast laboratories located at the MMPCs. In addition, it will be enhanced by the implementation of a quality management system, and a laboratory information system.
The program, launched in June 2024, began with GITEC and IQLS experts visiting Uzbekistan for high-level discussions with beneficiaries, facility tours, and groundwork for the needs assessment methodology. In August and September 2024, a needs assessment was conducted across the 15 laboratories by three expert teams from the consortium, evaluating key capacities, such as infrastructure, design, QMS, workforce, equipment, and IT systems, including LIS and internet access. Building on these findings, the implementation phase began in September with a workshop to present Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), its pros and cons, possible options, and developing technical specifications for its future use across pediatric hospital laboratories in Uzbekistan.
In response to the Ministry of Health’s request, a workshop was held to define laboratory tiered levels for pediatric laboratories, identifying specific methodologies, analysis, and equipment needs at each tier, thus ensuring the correct allocation of resources and preventing unnecessary expenditures. The last activity of 2024 included a comprehensive ISO 9001:2015 assessment of the National Pediatric Reference Laboratory (NPRL) at the Republican Specialized Children’s Scientific and Practical Medical Centre, providing key insights into its strengths, weaknesses, and gaps, resulting in recommendations to enhance the laboratory’s performance and support its progress toward ISO certification.
In 2025, the focus will shift to implementing QMS and ISO 9001:2015 standards, through training sessions and on-site and virtual monitoring, to ensure the successful adoption of the standard at NPRL.
