Regulation
One of the key gaps which BMSZ has identified is the need to revise the governance and regulatory policies pertaining to medical laboratories. We recognise that a strong regulatory framework that takes into account national and international laboratory standards ensures patient safety and protects the general public from shoddy and unethical laboratory practices.
As a key stakeholder in laboratory regulation, we have keen interest and take part in the development and review of relevant legislation pertaining to medical laboratory regulation. This includes working closely with regulatory authorities such as the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) licensing of medical laboratories and professionals, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) for control of in-vitro diagnostics, and the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZQA) for ensuring that only appropriately trained and qualified personnel work in medical laboratories.
BMSZ endeavors to familiarise medical laboratory staff with key provisions of the laws pertaining to their practice to enhance compliance and safeguard patient safety. This is done through collaborating with training institutions for biomedical sciences, webinars, symposia, and such means.