Healthcare and laboratory professionals come together to understand NABL accreditation, ISO 15189:2022 and practical pathways to stronger laboratory standards

Agra, September 24, 2026:

Ujala Cygnus Hospitals, in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), hosted the NABL Gunvatta Yatra Programme at Lemon Tree Hotel, Agra, bringing together healthcare and laboratory professionals for an in-depth session on laboratory quality, accreditation and national standards.

The programme focused on helping laboratory facilities understand the NABL accreditation journey, strengthen their quality systems and work towards NABL ISO 15189:2022 accreditation. The session covered key aspects of accreditation and its benefits, documentation requirements, the accreditation process, NABL's laboratory search platform and an overview of ISO 15189:2022.

Building Awareness Around Laboratory Quality

The programme commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Vandana Chawla, Vice President, Academics & Research, Ujala Cygnus, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Narendra Malhotra, Managing Director, Global Rainbow Healthcare (Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital), Director ART, Rainbow IVF and Course Director, Rainbow Training Courses Unit of SMRITI and Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma Founder Scientific Labs & Director Metropolis Healthcare.

Dr. Vandana Chawla said: Quality in healthcare laboratories is not merely about meeting standards it is about creating a culture where accuracy, reliability and patient safety become integral to every test and every decision. The NABL Gunvatta Yatra is an important platform to build awareness, simplify the accreditation journey and empower laboratories to strengthen their systems. At Ujala Cygnus, we believe that quality has to be built into the system and lived every day, rather than remaining a document on a shelf. Through this programme, we hope to encourage more laboratories to embrace accreditation as a journey of continuous improvement and excellence.

Prof. Narendra Malhotra said: Laboratory medicine plays a fundamental role in modern healthcare, because every accurate diagnosis begins with reliable laboratory information. Accreditation provides a structured framework to ensure consistency, competence and confidence in laboratory services. NABL accreditation should therefore be viewed not simply as a compliance requirement, but as a commitment to patients and to the healthcare system. Initiatives such as the Gunvatta Yatra are valuable because they bring standards closer to healthcare institutions and help laboratories understand how quality can be translated into everyday practice.

The programme's Guest of Honour, Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma, Director – Metropolis Healthcare, delivered the keynote address, bringing an industry perspective to the discussion around laboratory quality and standards. He said having been closely associated with the laboratory sector, I have seen how a strong quality system transforms not only laboratory processes but also the confidence of clinicians and patients in diagnostic services. NABL accreditation brings discipline, standardisation and accountability to laboratory operations, but its real value lies in making quality a continuous practice. I am pleased to share my experience with colleagues through this platform and encourage laboratories to look at accreditation not as a destination, but as an ongoing journey of learning, improvement and patient-centred excellence.

From Understanding Standards to Navigating Accreditation

The session also featured an introduction to QCI and the Gunvatta Yatra by Mr. shivanshu & Mr. Tushar, Analyst, Quality Council of India, providing participants with context on the initiative and its role in advancing awareness around quality.

The technical session, led by Dr. Reema Bahri, provided participants with a practical overview of NABL accreditation and its benefits, along with discussions on the M(EL)T Recognition Scheme, NABL documentation, the accreditation process, the NABL website and laboratory search platform, and ISO 15189:2022. The session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to engage with the experts on accreditation-related queries.

Strengthening a Culture of Quality

The programme concluded with a Quality Pledge and feedback session, followed by a group photograph and a vote of thanks by Mr. Rananjay Singh, Unit Head, Ujala Cygnus.

The successful organisation of the programme was supported by the our Founder Director Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Ujala Cygnus team, with Dr. Atul Krishna Dev and Mr. Shaminder Singh coordinating registration and supporting the event, alongside the broader Academics & Research team and Rainbow Hospital Agra team.

The collaboration with QCI and NABL reflects Ujala Cygnus Hospitals' continued commitment to strengthening quality systems and encouraging greater adoption of recognised standards across healthcare and laboratory services.

Advancing Laboratory Standards in Healthcare

The Agra edition of the NABL Gunvatta Yatra represents a step towards strengthening awareness and capacity around laboratory accreditation in the region. By bringing technical guidance, accreditation expertise and practical resources closer to healthcare and laboratory professionals, such initiatives can support institutions in building robust quality management systems and integrating recognised standards into their everyday operations.

Ujala Cygnus Hospitals remains committed to working with QCI, NABL and healthcare stakeholders to advance quality-driven healthcare and contribute to stronger, safer and more reliable healthcare systems across India.

About Ujala Cygnus Hospitals

Ujala Cygnus Hospitals is a healthcare network committed to delivering accessible, affordable and quality healthcare. The organisation focuses on clinical excellence, patient safety, quality improvement, medical education and strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the regions it serves.