Workshop Reviews National Sample Referral Guidelines
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2026) A two-day technical workshop reviewed the National Guidelines for Sample Collection and Sample Referral Mechanisms to strengthen diagnostic surveillance and national health security across Pakistan.
The workshop was organized under the Pandemic Fund in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and brought together public health experts, provincial representatives and senior technical officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Key Points:
- Participants reviewed existing guidelines and discussed measures to improve sample collection, transportation and referral mechanisms, focusing on developing standardized and effective diagnostic networks.
- Provincial representatives shared field-level challenges, resource requirements and local infrastructure considerations to ensure revised guidelines reflected operational realities across the country.
- Senior experts from NIH and WHO provided technical input on strengthening diagnostic referral systems, emphasizing the importance of standardized laboratory networks for timely detection and response during public health emergencies.
- Recommendations emerging from the workshop will contribute to finalization of national guidelines and support efforts to develop resilient and integrated laboratory networks under national health security initiatives and the Pandemic Fund framework.