Md. Aminul Islam, Senior Staff Reporter

A workshop titled “Improving Healthcare Quality and Safety through Accreditation of Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories” was held, organized by the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB), aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare services in Bangladesh, ensure accuracy in diagnostic testing, and strengthen public health protection systems.

The event took place on Thursday (May 14, 2026) at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM).

The chief guest of the workshop was Md. Owaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries. Special guests included Md. Aminul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB). The session was chaired by Md. Salim Ullah. Also present were Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Md. Firoz Uddin, Additional Secretary M.A. Kamal Billah, along with representatives from various health sector institutions, hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories. The keynote paper was presented by BAB Director (Technical Services) Md. Mahbubur Rahman.

In his speech, Secretary Md. Owaidur Rahman said that medical and diagnostic laboratories in the country must be upgraded to international standards to ensure quality healthcare services. He noted that due to the lack of quality laboratories, many people even travel abroad for minor illnesses, reflecting a lack of trust in the domestic system. He also emphasized that if all laboratories come under accreditation, rural patients will not need to travel to Dhaka for tests, preventing delays that sometimes lead to fatalities on the way.

Special guest Md. Aminul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Accreditation Board, said that 167 institutions in the country have so far received accreditation from BAB. Among them, nine medical institutions have already been accredited, while applications from eight more institutions are under process. He also expressed concern that different laboratories often produce varying results for the same tests and stressed the need for internationally standardized and consistent diagnostic outcomes.

Speakers at the workshop highlighted that in the modern world, medical and diagnostic laboratories play a crucial role in ensuring quality healthcare. Accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment, risk assessment, and effective public health management. Internationally standardized accredited laboratories ensure reliable test results, thereby improving patient safety and strengthening public trust in healthcare services.

Discussions at the workshop covered accreditation procedures for medical and diagnostic laboratories, adherence to international standards, quality management, enhancement of technical capacity, development of skilled human resources, and achieving international recognition.

The Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) is the country’s only national accreditation authority, established under the Bangladesh Accreditation Act, 2006. The organization plays an important role in developing the national quality infrastructure, improving product and service standards, protecting consumer rights, and removing technical barriers to international trade.

BAB has already strengthened Bangladesh’s international recognition by obtaining membership in several global accreditation organizations, including the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), International Accreditation Forum (IAF), Global Accreditation Cooperation, and the Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies.

Organizers expressed hope that the workshop would increase awareness among stakeholders, encourage experience sharing, and contribute effectively to establishing internationally standard medical and diagnostic laboratories in Bangladesh.