Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant move set to bolster Thailand’s healthcare infrastructure and economic standing in the region, Roche Diagnostics (Thailand) Limited today announced a strategic partnership with the Medical Technology Council to launch the ‘Lab Benchmarking 2025’ project. This nationwide initiative aims to elevate the operational standards and quality of medical laboratories across Thailand to international benchmarks, targeting a substantial 20% increase in internationally accredited facilities by the end of 2025.
The collaboration directly supports the Thai government’s ambitious vision to establish the nation as a premier medical and wellness hub in Asia, thereby enhancing confidence among both domestic and international healthcare consumers.
The commitment to advancing Thailand’s diagnostic capabilities was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dedicated to supporting in-depth data analysis of the nation’s medical laboratories. The agreement was signed by Mr. Somchai Jeadsermanant, President of the Medical Technology Council (MT Council), and Mr. Mihai Irimescu, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics (Thailand). This partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the quality and reliability of healthcare services within the Kingdom.
The primary objective of the Lab Benchmarking 2025 project is multifaceted. It involves the systematic collection of comprehensive operational data from participating Thai laboratories. This data will then be rigorously compared against established international standards, particularly focusing on benchmarks within the dynamic Asia-Pacific region.
This comparative analysis, a cornerstone of the project, will serve as a critical foundation for identifying areas of excellence and opportunities for process improvement within individual labs and across the sector. Ultimately, the goal is to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic results – factors that are paramount for precise disease diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
The project sets ambitious yet achievable targets, aiming to engage at least 150 medical laboratories from across Thailand. The ultimate metric of success, however, lies in achieving a 20% growth in the number of labs obtaining international accreditation by the close of 2025. This push for global standards is not merely about internal quality improvement; it is intrinsically linked to Thailand’s broader economic and strategic goals.
By elevating its laboratory infrastructure, Thailand strengthens its appeal as a leading destination for medical and wellness tourism, a sector poised for significant growth. This aligns perfectly with the government’s policy to position Thailand as a competitive and trusted healthcare hub, capable of attracting international patients and investment.
Providing context to the current landscape, Mr. Somchai Jeadsermanant highlighted that Thailand already possesses a considerable network of accredited laboratories. “Thailand currently has over 1,300 accredited laboratories,” he noted, “comprising 814 certified by the Medical Technology Council itself, over 300 accredited with ISO standards via the Department of Medical Sciences, and approximately 200 certified under the standards of the Thai Ministry of Public Health.”
Despite this existing base, Mr. Somchai emphasized the value proposition of the Lab Benchmarking 2025 initiative. He explained that this data collection survey will empower laboratories to gain a clearer understanding of their operational positioning relative to their peers, both domestically and potentially internationally.
By identifying and leveraging best practices revealed through the benchmarking process, laboratories can refine their management strategies, upgrade service delivery to meet exacting international standards, and ultimately strengthen their overall medical capabilities. This continuous improvement cycle is deemed essential for maintaining competitiveness and supporting the nation’s rapidly expanding medical tourism industry.
“In an era where diagnostic services and public healthcare are fundamental to people’s well-being, I encourage all member laboratories of the Medical Technology Council to participate in this initiative,” urged Mr. Somchai. “The assessment process will allow laboratories to systematically identify their strengths and areas for improvement. By integrating cutting-edge technology and best practices into diagnostic processes, we can enhance the accuracy and reliability of test results, which are essential for precise disease diagnosis and effective treatment.”
Echoing the commitment to advancing Thai healthcare, Mr. Mihai Irimescu, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics (Thailand) Limited, reaffirmed his company’s dedication. He emphasized that the Lab Benchmarking 2025 project will serve as a catalyst, enabling laboratories across the country “to refine their operations through modern technology and updated knowledge.”
Mr. Irimescu stressed the importance of this evolution, stating it is “crucial in addressing future healthcare challenges and fostering sustainable growth in Thailand’s medical tourism sector.” He also pointed to the human capital aspect, noting that participation will equip laboratory professionals with “globally competitive skills that they can pass on to colleagues within their networks,” creating a positive ripple effect throughout the workforce.
Mr. Irimescu candidly addressed the key challenges facing laboratories in the current environment. “The most significant challenge for laboratories in Thailand today is keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology while maintaining efficient management and developing a highly skilled workforce,” he observed. “These factors are essential for upholding high standards, even as testing volumes continue to rise.”
He further connected the project’s success to national policy and broader societal benefits. “The success of the Lab Benchmarking 2025 project will not only strengthen Thailand’s healthcare system but also support the country’s Medical Hub policy by ensuring that medical services meet internationally recognised standards,” Mr. Irimescu stated.
“This will help attract more medical tourists and individuals seeking world-class healthcare services. Moreover, the initiative will distribute knowledge and technology across all regions, helping to reduce disparities in healthcare access and drive economic growth in related sectors.” This highlights the project’s potential contribution to both economic development and healthcare equity.
The methodology underpinning the Lab Benchmarking project is well-established, as Roche conducts these surveys internationally every two years. The process involves laboratory representatives completing a detailed online questionnaire. This survey covers critical aspects of laboratory function, including quality management systems, operational workflows, cost efficiency measures, and the adoption and integration of innovative technologies. A key benefit for participants is the delivery of real-time comparative insights, allowing them to benchmark their performance against anonymized data from their industry peers almost immediately.
For the 2025 cycle, the project is now actively recruiting participants. Laboratories across Thailand are invited to apply and submit their data between April 1st and July 31st, 2025. Following the data collection phase, comprehensive analytical results are expected to be compiled and published during the third quarter of the year.
Transparency and knowledge dissemination are key components of the agreement. Mr. Somchai Jeadsermanant added that the Medical Technology Council and Roche Diagnostics (Thailand) will collaborate closely “to ensure that the collected data is utilised for enhancing laboratory service quality.” The valuable findings and insights derived from the survey will be formally presented at a major industry event, the Thailand LA Forum 2025, and will also be submitted for publication in relevant medical journals to reach a wider professional audience. Laboratories interested in participating can submit their data securely online via the Lab Insights platform.
In conclusion, Mr. Mihai Irimescu emphasized the long-term vision: “This collaboration will reinforce Thailand’s image as a key regional centre for medical excellence and wellness, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all in an equitable and sustainable manner.”
This landmark partnership between Roche Diagnostics and the Medical Technology Council, materialized through the Lab Benchmarking 2025 project, represents more than just a technical upgrade for laboratories. It signifies a strategic investment in the resilience and advancement of Thailand’s public health infrastructure. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adherence to global standards, the initiative is poised to enhance patient care significantly, bolster Thailand’s economic competitiveness in the global healthcare market, and solidify its reputation as a leading destination for medical excellence, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable healthcare landscape for the future.
#RocheDiagnostics #MedicalTechnologyCouncil #LabBenchmarking2025 #MedicalLaboratory #ThaiLabs #GlobalStandards #MedicalHub #ThailandHealthcare #Diagnostics #QualityAssurance #MedicalTourism #HealthcareInnovation #PublicHealth #EconomicGrowth #AsiaHealthcare #LabQuality
