A medical expert, Mrs Nonyelum Chijioke, has called for deep collaboration among private healthcare sector to boost medical services in Imo state.

Speaking after receiving the certificate of Prestigious International Accreditation, at Abuja, recently at the MLSCN Golden Arena in Abuja, described it as a landmark achievement, not only for the institution but for the entire South East region.

Nonyelum who is the Director Link Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, added that with this, it has become the only private medical laboratory in South East Nigeria to attain the internationally recognised standard for quality and competence in medical laboratory services.

Adding that, the recognition places the Owerri-based laboratory on the global map of accredited diagnostic facilities and reinforces the growing capacity of the South East region to deliver world-class healthcare services.

“ISO 15189:2022 is regarded as the gold standard for medical laboratories worldwide. The certification covers comprehensive quality management systems, technical competence, personnel qualification, equipment calibration, internal quality control, and patient safety protocols. Attaining this standard confirms that Link Medical Diagnostic and Research Laboratories operates in full alignment with international best practices,” she said.

According to her, the milestone demonstrates that globally competitive healthcare infrastructure can thrive beyond Nigeria’s traditional medical hubs when driven by vision, professionalism, and strict adherence to global standards.

While describing the development as strategically significant for South East governors and policymakers.

Mrs Chijioke stressed that the presence of an ISO-certified reference laboratory within the region strengthens support for tertiary hospitals, enhances disease surveillance, boosts public health programmes, and expands access to advanced diagnostics ultimately reducing medical tourism and improving regional health security.

“With this achievement, Link Medical Diagnostic and Research Laboratories sets a new benchmark for both private and public laboratories across Southeast Nigeria, while presenting a strong case for deeper public private collaboration in healthcare delivery throughout the region”. She said