Srinagar, Sep 11: A five-day NABL Assessor Training Programme on ISO 15189:2022, focused on strengthening medical laboratory quality assurance in Jammu and Kashmir, concluded at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Friday.

Organised by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, KU, in collaboration with the State Allied and Healthcare Council, J&K, and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Quality Council of India (QCI), the programme focused on laboratory quality systems, assessment techniques and accreditation processes.

Presiding over the valedictory session, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan said robust laboratory quality systems were essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient care. She said specialised training programmes help strengthen professional competence and foster a culture of quality in healthcare.

“Consistency, quality and adherence to recognised standards are crucial to reliable laboratory practices,” she said, adding that the University would continue promoting collaborations and capacity-building initiatives with wider societal relevance.

Director SKIMS Prof Mohd Ashraf Ganie stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening clinical and paramedical care. He called for well-equipped laboratories, skilled manpower and stringent protocols, while underlining the importance of human judgement alongside technological interventions.

Dean Academic Affairs KU Prof Sharieffuddin Pirzada and Dean Research KU Prof Bashir A. Ganaie emphasised quality-focused training and stronger linkages among universities, healthcare institutions and research organisations. They called for moving beyond compliance towards sustained commitment to quality.

Principal GMC Srinagar and Dean, School of Medicine and School of Allied Sciences, KU, Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, and Dean, School of Biological Sciences, KU, Prof Fayaz Ahmad, highlighted the importance of accurate laboratory findings in diagnosis and patient care.

Chairperson, State Allied and Healthcare Council, J&K, Dr Sabhiya Majid, highlighted the Council’s role in capacity-building, while Dr Ritu Kulshrestha, Joint Director, NABL-QCI, presented a report on the training programme and its outcomes.

The programme brought together medical laboratory faculty, professionals and technologists and covered ISO 15189 requirements, assessment techniques, documentation, on-site assessment, evaluation of technical competence and reporting of non-conformities.

Earlier, Head, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, KU, Dr Tanveer Ali Dar, welcomed the participants, while Prof Fouzia Rashid, Organising Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks. Ms Beenish Shakeel conducted the proceedings.