Guided by the Malaria Program, microscopy services in the Rural Health Units (RHUs) and hospitals have been strengthened. Barangay Malaria Microscopy Centers (BMMCs) were also established even in remote malarious areas to provide immediate microscopy services.
Microscopy services are provided by existing microscopy centers comprising of the RHUs, hospitals, laboratory facilities and BMMCs. These are manned by microscopists who could either be a medical technologist, a laboratory technician, other health staff or community volunteer worker who underwent special training on malaria diagnosis.
Implementation of quality assurance system is in place to ensure high quality microscopy services at various levels of health care. Part of the QAS is the assessment of microscopy services in health facilities. This is done through a validation of blood films, on-site supervision, feedback and remedial interventions. The purpose is not fault finding but rather to further enhance the skills of the microscopists, and help improve the support system for delivering microscopy services such as checking functionality of microscope, adequacy of laboratory reagents/supplies, recording system, and others.
On-site supervision is an opportunity for both the microscopist and validator (QAS supervisor) to directly interact and discuss blood film cross checking. It also allows the assessment of the working conditions of the laboratory units and support systems in place (e.g. recording, etc) and helps institute corrective measures, as needed.
Check out photos of this year's on-site supervisory visit:
