Laboratory Medicine in Palestine
Rania Abu Seir1, Osama Najjar2
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestine.
EJIFCC
|December 22, 2018
Summary
Palestinian Laboratory Medicine (LM) has seen significant investment in automation and quality assurance, reducing external costs. However, a shortage of skilled human resources in advanced diagnostics persists.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Laboratory Science
Background:
- Laboratory Medicine (LM) is crucial for healthcare, with Palestine allocating 3.5% of health expenditure to clinical laboratories.
- Significant investments are being made to enhance LM services in Palestine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of recent investments and developments in Palestinian Laboratory Medicine.
- To identify challenges and areas for improvement in the sector.
Main Methods:
- The Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented automation in blood banks and histopathology, introduced molecular testing, and expanded autoimmune and metabolic disorder testing.
- External Quality Assurance (EQA) programs and accreditation initiatives were enhanced.
- Al-Quds University established a Center for External Quality Control in LM.
- An accreditation unit was established within the MOH, with a focus on ISO-15189 standards.
- Academic institutions developed new LM curricula aligned with labor market needs and emerging technologies.
Main Results:
- Investments reduced external test purchasing costs by over $3.6 million in five years.
- The Center for External Quality Control improved affiliated laboratory performance.
- Accreditation by ISO-15189 is increasing, though still limited.
- New academic curricula aim to meet evolving diagnostic needs.
Conclusions:
- Despite progress in infrastructure and quality assurance, Palestinian Laboratory Medicine faces a critical shortage of human resources skilled in new diagnostic approaches.
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