Regional Leadership: Cambodia’s National Reference Medical Laboratory Mentors Papua New Guinea Delegation
PHNOM PENH, March 4, 2026 — In a significant display of South-South cooperation, the National Reference Medical Laboratory (NRML), a key unit of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), welcomed a high-level health delegation from the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
The study tour, organized under the Health Services Sector Development Program (HSSDP), serves as a blueprint for Papua New Guinea as they work to establish their own National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to strengthen infection detection and diagnostic capacity.
A Masterclass in Laboratory Quality Management
The delegation, led by Asst. Prof. Chau Darapheak and Dr. You Vanny, focused on the rigorous international standards that have made Cambodia’s NRML a success. The technical sessions covered:
- ISO 15189 Certification: Understanding the international requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories.
- LQMS (Laboratory Quality Management System): A deep dive into the 12 quality system essentials that ensure reliable test results.
- External Quality Assessment (EQA): Procedures for verifying laboratory accuracy through outside comparison and proficiency testing.
- Operational Workflows: Efficient systems for managing samples from collection to diagnostic reporting.
Why This Matters for Cambodia’s Medical Future
From our perspective at Schools Cambodia, this international linkage highlights the high level of training available within the National Institute of Public Health:
- Global Recognition: When foreign governments look to Cambodia for technical guidance, it confirms that our medical professionals are operating at a global standard.
- Capacity Building: These exchanges foster a culture of continuous improvement and academic rigor among Cambodian scientists and lab technicians.
- Public Health Impact: Strengthening laboratory systems across the region leads to better disease surveillance, which ultimately protects public health both at home and abroad.
We congratulate the NRML team for their commitment to regional cooperation. By sharing their “Gold Standard” workflows, they are helping to build a healthier future for both Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.