Metu Karl Hospital’s ISO Accreditation Shaping the Future of African Medicine

In a momentous achievement for African healthcare, Ethiopia’s Metu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH) has achieved the prestigious ISO 15189:2012 accreditation in collaboration with key partners such as the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). This achievement, recognised by the Ethiopian Accreditation Service (EAS-Ethiopia), particularly in molecular biology with a focus on PCR testing for HIV viral load, signifies a giant leap towards elevating healthcare standards across the continent.

Speaking at the accreditation Ceremony, Dr Solan Bekele CEO of MKCSH, expressed gratitude to ASLM, CDC PEPFAR, EAS-Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) for their instrumental role in this accreditation journey. Mr Bonsa Bayissa, Director of Ethiopia Accreditation Services, acknowledged the hospital’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier healthcare through pursuing this accreditation.

The EPHI’s crucial role in advancing healthcare in Ethiopia is unmatched, the institute made great strides in mentorship, emphasising the significance of local expertise in achieving and maintaining high healthcare standards. ASLM’s involvement, both financially and operationally, showcases a collaborative synergy that goes beyond mere support. Adisu Kebede, ASLM’s program manager, highlighted the intensive efforts involved, including mentorship programs and meticulous document reviews, underscoring the commitment to surpassing international standards.

The financial support from CDC PEPFAR, a global healthcare contributor, underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing public health challenges. ASLM’s recognition of CDC PEPFAR funding showcases the interconnected efforts that have led to this transformative healthcare milestone.

As we celebrate Metu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital’s accreditation, it is crucial to view this accomplishment not as the end but as a catalyst for ongoing progress. This calls for a renewed commitment from the hospital to embark on groundbreaking, progressive medical interventions.

The accreditation serves as a solid foundation upon which the hospital can build, innovate, and continue to lead in advancing healthcare standards. The collaborative spirit that has brought about this achievement should inspire further partnerships, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ultimately propelling Africa toward a healthier and more prosperous future.

Author: ASLM Communications

About ASLM

Established in 2011, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body focused on improving healthcare by strengthening all aspects of laboratories including workforce strengthening, quality improvement and accreditation, regulation(s) harmonization, networks strengthening, and advocacy and communication strengthening. Laboratory testing is pivotal for disease diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, and treatment initiation and monitoring, as well as research and development. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments; national, regional and international organisations; implementing partners; the private sector; and other agencies to achieve its strategic vision goals. ASLM is endorsed by the African Union with support from the World Health Organization, Africa CDC, the US CDC, the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the World Bank, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, UNAIDS, and others.