On the 26th with World Accreditation Day approaching, China National Accreditation Committee and Tibet Autonomous Region Health and Family Planning Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the development of international accreditation for Tibetan medical and bio-safety laboratories. This marks the start of Tibet using international standards to regulate local medical testing and Tibet will receive international recognition through accredited medical laboratory results.

According to the memorandum, Tibet will choose 1-3 high-level medical institutions in advance to kick start the accreditation work. China National Accreditation Committee will provide support to the chosen medical institutions in accordance with international standards. At the same time they will develop training programs based on the needs of Tibet and help Tibet’s sanitation system in grasping the accreditation procedures and requirements.

It is understood that medical laboratory accreditation is currently the preferred method for verifying laboratory capacity internationally. It is also an effective means for promoting the establishment of laboratory capacity. Hu Xuejun, Deputy Director of the Tibet Autonomous Region Health and Family Planning Commission, said: “Implementing accreditation of medical and bio-safety laboratories can effectively enhance Tibetan medical laboratory capacity and bio-safety protection levels, and will be of great significance to the long-term development of Tibetan medicine.”

Xiao Jianhua, Secretary-General of China National Accreditation Committee said that they will promote Tibet Autonomous Region medical laboratories; strengthen capacity and provide support in line with international standards; and provide recognition and guarantee for Tibet’s medical system and medical results, thus enhancing the foundation level of Tibetan medical testing.

China National Accreditation Committee is a national accreditation body authorized by the Chinese government. It is the only accreditation body in China and has represented accredited bodies of more than 70 countries and economic entities in signing Multilateral Recognition Agreements. This means that the test results released by China’s laboratories are equally as credible as the accredited test results of these 70 countries and economic entities.