In a new milestone that reflects the continuous advancement of healthcare services in Egypt, the laboratories of Karnak International Hospital in Luxor Governorate and Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital in South Sinai Governorate have successfully obtained accreditation from the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC) in accordance with the requirements of ISO 15189:2022, the international standard for quality and competence in medical laboratories.
The accreditation was granted following a comprehensive assessment process that verified the laboratories’ compliance with all applicable technical and management requirements, demonstrating their competence to perform medical testing services in accordance with internationally recognized standards and best practices.
This achievement represents a significant step forward in supporting the efforts of the General Authority for Healthcare (GAH) to enhance laboratory medicine services and strengthen the quality of diagnostic healthcare provided to beneficiaries of Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System. It also reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to implementing international quality standards across its healthcare facilities, ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of laboratory services.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, emphasized that obtaining EGAC accreditation in accordance with ISO 15189:2022 marks another important milestone in the Authority’s journey toward institutional excellence and international recognition.
He noted that the laboratories of Karnak International Hospital have become the first medical laboratories in Upper Egypt to achieve accreditation to ISO 15189, reflecting the remarkable development of healthcare services in the region. Meanwhile, the laboratories of Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital have become the third accredited laboratories within the Canal Region, further strengthening the position of both hospitals as leading healthcare institutions providing high-quality laboratory diagnostic services in accordance with international best practices.
Dr. El-Sobky stated that this accomplishment demonstrates the success of the Healthcare Authority’s strategy aimed at embedding a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout its healthcare facilities. He highlighted that quality and accreditation remain among the Authority’s top strategic priorities, serving as essential pillars for ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered healthcare services.
He further explained that accreditation to ISO 15189 extends beyond compliance with quality management requirements. It confirms the technical competence of laboratory personnel, the suitability and calibration of equipment, the effectiveness of quality management systems, the reliability of testing procedures, and the implementation of robust risk management and patient safety practices. It also ensures the confidentiality and integrity of patient information while supporting continuous performance improvement.
According to the Authority, the laboratories of Karnak International Hospital and Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital have collectively performed nearly four million laboratory tests since the commencement of their operations. These services have been delivered in accordance with the highest standards of quality, diagnostic accuracy, and operational efficiency, reflecting the growing confidence of patients and healthcare professionals in the services provided by the Authority’s healthcare facilities.
Dr. El-Sobky emphasized that internationally accredited laboratories play a vital role in supporting accurate medical decision-making by providing reliable and trustworthy laboratory results. Such results are essential for disease diagnosis, treatment planning, patient monitoring, and the overall improvement of healthcare outcomes. Accreditation also contributes to enhancing laboratory performance, strengthening institutional quality systems, and developing the technical and professional capabilities of laboratory personnel.
With the accreditation of Karnak International Hospital and Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital laboratories, the number of ISO 15189-accredited laboratories within the General Authority for Healthcare has increased to four. These include the laboratories of Ismailia Medical Complex, Al Shifa Medical Complex in Port Said, Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital, and Karnak International Hospital.
This expansion in internationally accredited laboratories reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to strengthening diagnostic healthcare services and expanding accreditation activities across healthcare facilities, particularly within the governorates included in the second phase of the Universal Health Insurance System. The Authority continues to prepare and qualify additional laboratories for international accreditation as part of its vision to establish an integrated diagnostic network that meets the highest international standards.
From EGAC’s perspective, these accreditations reaffirm the Council’s pivotal role in supporting and advancing Egypt’s healthcare sector through the assessment and accreditation of medical laboratories against internationally recognized standards. Through its accreditation activities, EGAC contributes to ensuring the competence of laboratories, the reliability of their results, and the overall confidence of patients, healthcare providers, regulators, and other stakeholders in the national healthcare system.
ISO 15189 is widely recognized as one of the most important international standards dedicated specifically to medical laboratories. The standard focuses on both technical competence and quality management requirements, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results, the effectiveness of laboratory operations, patient safety, and continuous improvement. Accreditation to ISO 15189 therefore provides a strong demonstration of a laboratory’s commitment to maintaining internationally accepted levels of quality and competence.
This achievement forms part of Egypt’s broader efforts to enhance healthcare quality, strengthen the national quality infrastructure, and support the delivery of safe, efficient, and sustainable healthcare services. It also aligns with the country’s strategic vision to expand access to high-quality healthcare and further develop a modern healthcare system that meets international standards and serves the needs of all citizens.
