Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) through the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) is mandated to provide accessible quality laboratory services and strengthen the national diagnostic network through leadership and expert guidance to reduce the burden of diseases in Rwanda.
With the establishment of a quality management system for laboratories to have quality and competence so that their operations are well coordinated, monitored and controlled to deliver quality results and services, the National Reference Laboratory and three other local medical laboratories applied for certifications to the Kenyan accreditation body KENAS.
Kenya Accreditation Services assessed the established Quality Management System compliance with ISO 15189:2012 requirements from the National Reference Laboratory and with its standards of service delivery, high class equipments in place, reaccredited in June 2024 together with Rwanda Military Teaching and Referral Hospital-the second military hospital to get such accreditation in Africa as well as the first to be accredited with the first scope together with Legacy Clinics-the first private medical laboratory to have accreditation in Rwanda, and thes University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB)-the newly accredited.
Dr Walter Ongeti, the CEO of KENAS commended the RBC standards especially with the efforts used during the COVID 19 moment from testing and providing the result in the shortest period.
“The standards that RBC has set to surpass the international standards are amazing, from the operation of laboratories, the competence of staff and equipment, we are proud of you.” He noted, commending that:” through these four accreditations, Rwanda ensures its quality health care and its enhancement.”
The National Reference Laboratory achieved the landmark of getting reaccredited, which termed as not an easy step but also sustaining it be the worthwhile moment to cherish and the demonstration to the world that it is possible.
Prof. Claude M. Muvunyi, the Director General – a lab personnel by background hailed the commitment and dedication of all people involved in the accreditation journey that started more than 15 years ago with the implementation of quality management system.
“Congratulations to all the labs on behalf of the Ministry of Health, we are happy for you. RBC is committed to continue provide high quality laboratory services to our population and we hope to have more labs getting accredited to high standards.” He said adding that “the accreditation benefits are way beyond providing satisfaction of the beneficiaries but also will instill confidence and trust in the laboratory results enhance beneficiary satisfaction, instill confidence in laboratory results, and significantly boost Rwanda’s potential as a medical tourism destination in the region. We want to see the meaning of these accreditations when you return to your respective labs.
