New Laboratory Advisory Committee Convenes First Meeting  

~~Adz:Right~~ TORTOLA, B.V.I- Members of the newly established Medical Laboratory Advisory Committee met for the first time last week. Preliminary discussions aimed at establishing the framework for achieving the Committee’s goals.
The meeting on Monday, 21 July, was convened under the chairmanship of Ms. Petrona Smith, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Persons appointed to the Committee are Chairman Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, Drs. Marvin Flax, Clinton George, and Mitchel Penn, Mrs. Allene Brewley-Roach, Mr. Carnel Smith, Mrs. Rosetta Crandall-Samuels, Ms. Ayana Glasgow, Mr. Cecil Hodge, and Mrs. Hyacinth Smith. Senior Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms. Sophia Brewley is serving as an ex-officio member and secretary of the Committee.
Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC, welcomed the meeting and said she looks forward to the strengthening of all medical laboratories in the Territory, under the Committee’s guidance.

“It is the responsibility of Government to provide and regulate health care for all Virgin Islanders and visitors alike. The Committee therefore has a vital role to play in ensuring that publicly and privately operated medical laboratories meet the highest international standards, and where they fall short to make recommendations for improvements,” the Minister said.

As part of its regular duties, the Committee will advise and assist Government’s National Laboratory Management Team in the development of a three to five year strategic plan for the functioning of the laboratory at Peebles Hospital. Its new members will serve for periods ranging from two to three years with effect from May 21, 2008 in accordance with a recent Cabinet decision.

The Medical Laboratory Advisory Committee is responsible for directing the systematic implementation of laboratory standards in both public and private sector medical diagnostic laboratories in the Territory. It would also provide assistance to all medical laboratories in the British Virgin Islands to gain international accreditation, and to make recommendations for changes in legislation aimed at achieving that goal.

The Committee will work under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Development whose overall mission includes working to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development. Among other things, the Ministry is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the health and social development of the Territory.