National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) is concerned to identify and confirm the agents involved in public health threats, including those which may cause public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC). The Central Laboratory, established in 1968 AD was renamed as National Public Health Laboratory in 1991 AD. NPHL not only provides diagnostic testing on received samples, it also conducts laboratory-based surveillance activities and plays a crucial role during the outbreaks of various emerging and re-emerging diseases for laboratory confirmation of outbreaks.
It also operates as a quality assurance body, is responsible for registration and licensing of private sector laboratories and blood centers and is focal point for blood safety in the country. NPHL has 5 sections: Non communicable disease laboratory, Infectious Disease Laboratory, Quality control and training section, Laboratory & Blood Transfusion Services Regulation section, Administration & Supply Management section.
These departments are further divided into different units according to their nature of work National. Public Health Laboratory has been assessed and accredited in accordance with ISO 15189:2012 in the discipline of clinical chemistry, immunology, serology, hematology and molecular testing since 2020 and is the only government laboratory to be ISO 15189 accredited till date. NPHL is operating as per the NHSS-IP’s five -year program (2016-2021 A.D). It has started molecular diagnostic laboratory for molecular characterization and genotyping of the pathogenic organisms and early infantile diagnosis of HIV in infants below 18 months using the molecular PCR technology. A BSL‐3 lab has been constructed for the purpose of bio containment precautionary required to isolate dangerous biological agent (Risk group agents).
Mission
Vision
Goal
To provide quality laboratory services (diagnostic and public health related) to the people of Nepal through central, Regional, Sub-regional, Zonal, District and PHC based laboratories.
To develop National Public Health Laboratory as centre of excellence in diagnosis.
Extend laboratory services in all hospital and health case institution upto PHC level.
To develop NPHL as national reference laboratory for diagnostic and public health services.
To address the diagnostic needs due to emerging and re-emerging diseases.
Objectives
To upgrade and introduce new facilities at NPHL.
To introduce new technology for specified test not available at other laboratories
To strengthen overall capacity of health laboratory services through NEQAS and supervision and monitoring.
To procure quality equipment and reagents according to the need.
To practice Good Laboratory practice (GLP) by all the laboratories in the country.
To assist the laboratory in introducing specialized tests by NPHL.
