The first workshop was the QMS Training of Trainers which equipped participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to support QMS implementation, mentoring, and continuous quality improvement within their laboratories. The training produced a pool of laboratory quality champions who will play a critical role in driving quality improvement efforts across the country.

The second workshop was a practical EQAS training where the participants designed, produced, and validated a pilot EQAS panel, providing hands-on experience in key processes required for a national EQA programme aligned with ISO/IEC 17043. The training concluded with a clear implementation pathway for a national EQAS programme and strong stakeholder commitment to support its rollout.

Accreditation readiness assessments were also conducted at Hulhumalé Hospital and Dharumavantha Hospital laboratories. While both laboratories demonstrated strong foundations for ISO 15189 accreditation, Dharumavantha Hospital Laboratory was identified as the facility furthest advanced along the accreditation pathway and was selected for targeted technical and financial support to accelerate its progress.

The programme concluded with a high-level ceremony attended by the Hon. Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, the Commissioner of Quality Assurance, WHO representatives, and leaders from the Malé City Group of Hospitals. During the event, the Ministry of Health officially launched the National ISO 15189 Laboratory Accreditation Initiative and designated Dharumavantha Hospital Laboratory as the national EQAS provider, underscoring the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening laboratory quality, patient safety, and health system performance.

The training program was a success and participant feedback reflected the positive impact, with many acknowledging the expertise, dedication, and practical guidance provided throughout the training. Participants described the training as highly enriching for their professional development and expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration to further strengthen laboratory quality systems and healthcare outcomes in the Maldives.