Tegucigalpa, September 23, 2024 — Honduras has become the first country to begin the construction of the first National List of In Vitro Diagnostic Tests (LNPDI, which stands for its acronym in Spanish). This crucial step, led by the Honduran Ministry of Health, aims to standardize and improve diagnostic performance at all levels of the national health system. The LNPDI will serve as an essential reference document to ensure that diagnostic tests used are consistent across different levels of care, thereby strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
As part of this project and under the motto “Correct diagnostics, safe patients!”, the “Workshop on Systematic Search for Scientific Information” was held. The event aimed to strengthen experts in various microbiology disciplines to select the most advanced technologies that ensure precise and timely diagnostics, ultimately improving patient safety and health outcomes.
The importance of this list lies in its ability to guide more effectively and regulate the acquisition and prescription of diagnostic tests, thus contributing to the preservation and improvement of the health of the Honduran population. It is an important step in protecting and promoting health at the national level and aligns with global practices to ensure equitable access to essential diagnostics.
The workshop featured collaboration from prominent international experts from the Pan American Health Organization and CUFAR (University Center for Pharmacology at the National University of La Plata, Argentina). These professionals brought their vast experience not only in the development of the LNPDI but also in the creation of a List of Medicines that provides a crucial reference framework for both current and future projects.
During the event, laboratory experts received training in advanced techniques for searching and evaluating scientific information. This training will ensure that the test selection process is based on rigorous criteria and concrete evidence. Additionally, the workshop promoted collaboration among professionals from various health fields, ensuring a coherent and effective approach to managing diagnostics.
This effort not only underscores Honduras’ commitment to public health but also sets a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating how strategic planning and the implementation of rigorous standards can result in significant improvements in healthcare.
