Manila Bulletin
DOH: Marikina City's COVID-19 testing lab lacks requirements for certification
The Department of Health (DOH) has stated that Marikina City's COVID-19 testing laboratory has not yet met the requirements for certification to conduct tests.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that while the facility is ready, biosafety equipment is uninstalled and personnel are untrained.
Vergeire emphasized that a non-certified laboratory could pose undue harm to the public due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro had previously announced plans to open the testing center despite the lack of DOH approval.
The DOH explained that Marikina's laboratory is currently in stage 3 of a 5-stage accreditation process.
Vergeire reassured that the DOH is supportive and has provided technical assistance throughout the accreditation process.
The DOH recommended that Marikina City enroll technicians in online courses and schedule hands-on biosafety training with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
Until certification is obtained, the DOH suggested that Marikina City partner with accredited laboratories in Metro Manila.
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