Port of Spain, 28 October 2026 (PAHO) - Sint Maarten is advancing efforts to strengthen its health system through the revision of its National Laboratory Policy, with technical cooperation provided by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
Laboratory services play a vital role in supporting disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, public health preparedness, and emergency response. As health needs continue to evolve, the policy revision aims to ensure that laboratory services remain aligned with international standards, quality management principles, and national health priorities.
At the request of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), PAHO/WHO facilitated a comprehensive review of the existing laboratory policy, working closely with national stakeholders to identify areas for strengthening and modernization. Technical support was provided by International Laboratory Consultant Dr. Lionel Gresh, alongside Dr. Shellon Bovell, Advisor - Health Systems and Services in the PAHO/WHO office which serves Trinidad and Tobago and Dutch Caribbean.
The policy revision process brought together representatives from across the health sector, including the Ministry of VSA, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Sint Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS), Health Care Laboratory Services (HCLS), St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), the Public Health Inspector General, and professionals from public health, clinical services, quality management, and regulatory agencies.
Through a series of consultations and technical discussions, stakeholders examined the current strengths of the laboratory system, identified operational and regulatory gaps, and explored opportunities to enhance the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of laboratory services.
The revision process highlighted several priority areas for improvement, including governance and leadership structures, quality assurance systems, workforce development, biosafety and biosecurity, laboratory information management systems, referral networks, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
The initiative resulted in a comprehensive review of the existing laboratory policy and the development of an updated policy framework that reflects current health system priorities and international best practices.
Stakeholders reached consensus on priority areas for revision and agreed on key considerations for implementation, including resource requirements, workforce needs, governance arrangements, and mechanisms for monitoring progress.
The initiative represents an important step toward modernizing laboratory services in Sint Maarten and reinforcing the critical role laboratories play in protecting public health. Through continued collaboration among the VSA, CPS, laboratory stakeholders, and PAHO/WHO, the revised policy is expected to support stronger governance, improved quality standards, enhanced preparedness, and more effective health services for the population.
