Budgam, Feb 01: Marking a significant achievement, the HIV Testing Laboratory at the Integrated Counselling & Testing Centre (ICTC) of district hospital of Budgam has achieved a significant milestone. It has become the first laboratory in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to be awarded NABL M(EL)T Accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
The HIV Testing Laboratory was inaugurated by the Director of Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, along with other officials from the health department.
In addition to the NABL M(EL)T Accreditation, this laboratory has also been recognized with a Certificate of Excellence from the National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It has achieved an impressive score of 95.5% in the assessment conducted by Share India, National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Jammu And Kashmir AIDS Control Society, and State Reference Laboratory, Government Medical College Srinagar.
The officers and officials were honored with Certificates, Medals, and Mementos for their continuous efforts and contribution towards achieving this accreditation by the Director Health Services Kashmir.
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, the Director of Health Services Kashmir, extended his congratulations to Dr. Samir Mattoo, the Project Director of Jammu And Kashmir AIDS Control Society, and his team for this remarkable achievement.
“Our medical teams are always prepared to provide comprehensive support to the general public, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. This accreditation is a significant accomplishment for the district hospital in Budgam, and it will greatly benefit the general public across the Budgam district,” Dr. Rather said.
Dr. Ayoub Fateh Khan, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Budgam, informed Rising Kashmir that the HIV Testing Laboratory at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) in the district hospital of Budgam was established in 2007. Since then, almost more than 3 lakh HIV tests have been performed here; a total of 62 HIV-positive cases were detected (except one patient who died due to AIDS); the rest are doing well and are on active ART (anti-retroviral treatment).
“NABL is the authority that authenticates the credibility and accuracy of testing labs by checking all the parameters of quality management. They perform the assessment, and after all the standards are fully met, NABL certifies the lab,” he said.
