 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 12: In a remarkable achievement for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, Dr. Rachna Sabharwal, Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, has been appointed as an Assessor of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). She is the first doctor from J&K to receive this prestigious recognition, marking a significant milestone in the region's scientific and medical landscape.
The appointment as an NABL Assessor is a highly selective process that involves stringent training under the National Board for Laboratories (NBL), followed by a rigorous proficiency test. Only one-fifth of the trainees successfully qualify to be appointed as NABL Assessors, making this achievement a testament to Dr. Sabharwal's expertise and dedication.
NABL is an autonomous society under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. It provides accreditation for the technical competence of testing, calibration, and medical laboratories, as well as Proficiency Testing Providers (PTP) and Reference Material Producers (RMP). The accreditation ensures global recognition, with NABL having agreements with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC). This facilitates international acceptance of test results, reinforcing the credibility and quality assurance of accredited laboratories.
Dr. Rachna Sabharwal's induction into the NABL framework is a matter of immense pride for GMC Jammu. Her role as an Assessor will contribute to upholding and enhancing the quality standards of laboratories in India. She will play a crucial part in ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and international compliance of testing and calibration facilities, thereby advancing scientific discovery and healthcare excellence.
Apart from this landmark accomplishment, Dr. Sabharwal has also been recognized at the national level for her contributions to medical education. She was earlier selected as a Subject Expert by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the curriculum review of Biochemistry. As a part of this initiative, she played an instrumental role in framing the new Biochemistry curriculum, which has now been implemented across all 700 medical colleges in the country. Dr. Sabharwal was chosen as a member of the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) Review Committee for Biochemistry, a distinguished panel comprising only five experts from across India. The committee, constituted by NMC in 2024, undertook a comprehensive review of the Competency-Based Medical Curriculum (CBME). It restructured the syllabus, revisited AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication) competencies, introduced Self-Directed Learning (SDL) methodologies, strengthened horizontal and vertical integration with disciplines such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Medicine, refined assessment methods, and formulated guidelines for university examinations.
Her contributions in shaping medical education and ensuring the highest standards in laboratory accreditation underscore her commitment to excellence in academia and healthcare. As Dr. Rachna Sabharwal embarks on this new journey with NABL, she will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of laboratory accreditation in India, reinforcing trust in diagnostic and research facilities, and driving advancements in medical science.
This achievement not only brings laurels to GMC Jammu but also inspires the medical fraternity in the region to strive for excellence on a national and global scale. Dr. Sabharwal's recognition is a shining example of how dedication, expertise, and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking accomplishments in the field of science and medicine. |
