Hundreds of laboratories are not safe, Ministry of Health requires immediate inspection

SGGPO 07/06/2023 17:29

Nationwide, there are currently over 3,300 laboratories testing for pathogenic microorganisms and microorganisms that pose a risk of causing infectious diseases, but only nearly 3,100 laboratories have self-declared that they have met biosafety standards level I and level II.

The Ministry of Health has just sent an official dispatch to the health departments of provinces and cities across the country regarding the implementation of regulations on ensuring biosafety in laboratories.

The Ministry of Health stated that, according to reports from 58/63 provinces and cities nationwide, there are currently over 3,300 laboratories testing for pathogenic microorganisms and microorganisms that pose a risk of causing infectious diseases, but only nearly 3,100 laboratories have self-declared that they have met biosafety standards level I and level II.

Along with that, the whole country has 6 laboratories that have achieved biosafety level III certification and are operating. However, there are laboratories whose biosafety level III certification has expired and has not been reissued due to slow completion of procedures and documents according to regulations.

Hundreds of laboratories are not safe, Ministry of Health requires immediate inspection photo 1

The Ministry of Health requires localities to strengthen inspection and review of microbiology laboratories.

To rectify biosafety activities in accordance with Government regulations, the Ministry of Health requests local health departments to urgently review facilities with laboratories testing microorganisms that pose a risk of causing infectious diseases to humans, and specimens that may contain microorganisms that pose a risk of causing infectious diseases to humans in the management area; urge and guide facilities with laboratories to self-declare before operating, and post a list of facilities that have declared that they meet biosafety standards on the health department's website in accordance with the law.

At the same time, continue to inspect and examine testing facilities that have been granted a Biosafety Certificate or have self-declared to meet biosafety standards in the management area at least once every 3 years; handle or recommend competent state management agencies to handle facilities that do not ensure biosafety regulations.

The Ministry of Health also requested local health departments to remind and urge facilities with level III biosafety laboratories in the area to promptly complete their applications for re-issuance of Level III Biosafety Certificates, to limit the facility's certificates from expiring and having to temporarily suspend operations.

Source