Kingston, Jamaica – The Department of Government Chemist (DGC), a department of the Ministry of Health & Wellness is pleased to announce that its Pharmaceutical Laboratory has successfully attained accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard, a globally recognized benchmark for competence in testing and calibration laboratories. This marks a significant milestone in the Department’s commitment to excellence in providing scientific advice backed by internationally accepted analytical techniques.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation was granted in October 2024, following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by JANAAC Global Accreditation, which assessed the DGC’s technical competence, management systems, and adherence to internationally accepted practices.
Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Waveney Warrick, Deputy Quality Manager and Senior Chemist, stated “This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and professionalism of our team. Accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard reflects our unwavering focus on continuous improvement, reliability, and the delivery of high-quality analytical and advisory services to the Government of Jamaica and the wider public.“
Accreditation enhances the Department’s ability to support national health, safety, trade, and environmental protection objectives by ensuring accurate, traceable, and internationally recognized test results. With this accreditation, the Department of Government Chemist is positioned to enhance its service offerings and contribute even more effectively to regulatory enforcement and national development. It also strengthens Jamaica’s competitiveness in international markets by facilitating acceptance of test results across borders.
The Department of Government Chemist remains committed to upholding the principles of quality, integrity, and excellence, and will continue to serve the nation with distinction.