PAHO and VSA revise Sint Maarten laboratory policy framework

PAHO/WHO said on Thursday 29 October that it had provided technical assistance for a review of Sint Maarten’s National Laboratory Policy at the request of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, VSA. PAHO/WHO said the review produced an updated policy framework aligned with health priorities and international standards.

According to PAHO/WHO, the consultation involved VSA, Collective Prevention Services, St. Maarten Laboratory Services, Health Care Laboratory Services, St. Maarten Medical Center, the Public Health Inspector General and health professionals. Participants identified laboratory governance, quality assurance, workforce development, biosafety and biosecurity, information management, referral networks, and performance monitoring as areas for improvement.

PAHO/WHO said stakeholders agreed on the principal areas for revision and considered financial and human resources, governance arrangements and ways to measure progress. It said the next phase would involve turning the framework into practical measures with resources, coordination and oversight.