PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says it has received international accreditation for laboratory testing services and will be introducing a new surveillance programme in 2018.

In a statement, CARPHA said that in collaboration with its drug testing laboratory, it will next year introduce the measure where the laboratory will monitor medicines such as those used for the control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“This initiative aligns with the Caricom strategy of advancing initiatives for health and wellness by ensuring access to safe, reliable medicines, thereby improving the quality of life of the region.

Member states will have access to information to undertake evidence-based approaches to enable warning, risk reduction and management of national public health risks,” it added.

CARPHA said access to health care and essential quality medicines and pharmaceutical products is critical for the Caribbean population’s well-being and optimal health and that conformity with ISO standards mark a significant endorsement for the agency’s capabilities to test the quality control of pharmaceutical finished products such as capsules, tablets, creams, ointments, suspensions, syrups, and lotions.

CARPHA said that the accreditation certificate was granted by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC).

“As Jamaica’s national accreditation body, JANAAC supports the effective development of the Jamaican economy by providing conformity assessment bodies such as testing laboratories with internationally recognised accreditation services, thereby fostering global confidence and facilitating trade between Jamaica and its regional and international partners,” CARPHA said.

JANAAC chairman Simon Roberts congratulated CARPHA on its achievement, adding, “CARPHA is now inducted into the “accreditation hall of fame” as our first accredited laboratory in the pharmaceutical field.  

“The accreditation certificate signifies that you’ve not only received recognition from JANAAC, but by extension the signatories to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC-MRA).”

CARPHA executive director Dr C James Hospedales said the certification brings immense benefits to the agency.

“”The status as an accredited laboratory distinguishes CARPHA from other pharmaceutical quality control facilities by providing the highest quality of service to member states,” he said, adding that “CARPHA plays a critical role in providing valuable information that informs decision making and influence policy to strengthen health systems thereby promoting healthy lives and well-being.”