On July 19, 2010, the Philippines’ Department of Health signed Administration Ordinance No. 2010-0024. This ordinance requires a new permit (Department of Health Permit to Construct) as a part of the Free-standing Screening Drug Testing Laboratory (free-standing SDTL) Accreditation Process. This ordinance affects all such facilities – both public and private – throughout the nation. Any organization seeking to open a new free-standing SDTL, change locations, or switch owners must first acquire this Department of Health Permit to Construct.
The Philippines’ Department of Health collaborated with the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) to increase quality assurance of its drug testing facilities. With this new permit requirement, these regulatory bodies hope to receive sufficient information to screen, review and evaluate facility applications. To aid applicants, the BHFS included prototype details. Those looking to apply can use these as guidelines for what materials are suggested for walls/finishings and what criteria will be checked, such as ventilation and utilities.
Application for the Department of Health Permit to Construct for free-standing SDTLs requires a non-refundable fee of USD $22. The application can be accessed online on the Philippines Department of Health website.