19/06/2026
🌏 Strengthening Quality in Pacific Medical Laboratories
PPTC Laboratory Quality Management Course | 27 April – 22 May 2026
Over the past four weeks, the Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC) was proud to host five scholars from across the Pacific region for our 2026 Laboratory Quality Management (LQMS) Course, delivered at the Wellington Hospital campus.
Throughout the programme, scholars gained a solid grounding in the fundamentals of LQMS, including quality essentials, internal audits, document control, non‑conformance management, and continuous improvement. Importantly, they explored how LQMS extends far beyond laboratory walls, as it is essentially a core pillar of the entire health system.
By understanding how quality processes ensure accurate diagnostics, support clinical decision‑making, strengthen surveillance, and safeguard patient outcomes, participants developed a holistic appreciation of how laboratory quality directly influences national health resilience. Building LQMS capacity in the Pacific is a vital step toward stronger, safer, and more reliable healthcare systems.
We are proud to acknowledge the dedication and leadership of this year’s scholars:
1. James Heine – Federated States of Micronesia, Chuuk Department of Health
2. Susan Sewen – Vanuatu
3. Sylvester Ruethin – Federated States of Micronesia, Yap Department of Health
4. Taupesa Taumoeanga – Tuvalu
5. Touakai Kambati – Kiribati
Their commitment reflects the ongoing regional effort to strengthen laboratory services and improve health outcomes for Pacific communities.
Congratulations to all our scholars , we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your home country laboratory and across the region. 🌺🔬
