Cabinet Sec optimistic Marikina testing facility accreditation

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles expressed optimism that the Marikina City testing facility will be accredited, hoping its personnel pass the proficiency test.

Nograles mentioned that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III visited the facility and considered it "one of the best" he has seen, which are considered "plus points" for accreditation.

He stated that the facility has reached the "advanced stages of accreditation," with the proficiency test being the final step.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) supports the accreditation of more testing facilities to increase the country's testing capacity.

Nograles clarified that the government is not making it difficult for laboratories to get accredited and does not play favorites.

The Department of Health has reminded that all proposed testing sites must pass biosafety regulations before accreditation.