National Medical Laboratory Professional Week (NMLPW)
NMLPW History, Purpose & Guidelines for Organizing Scientific, Professional, and Social Programs During National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW)
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW) is a prestigious annual celebration that recognises the significant achievements of medical laboratory professionals worldwide. This event highlights their vital contributions to advancing healthcare, fostering innovation in diagnostics, and improving patient care. It serves as a platform to showcase the expertise and dedication of laboratory professionals, reinforcing their essential role in ensuring accurate and timely diagnostic results. Each year, NMLPW features a specific theme that brings attention to the values and standards guiding their work, unifying celebrations, promoting Good Laboratory Practice, and educating the public on the importance of the medical laboratory profession.
v History & Background: Medical
Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) was established in 1975 by the American
Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) to recognise the contributions
of MLPs and raise awareness of their role in healthcare. Over time, it has
evolved into a global observance, honouring the impact of laboratory
professionals on medical science and patient care. ASCLS and its affiliates
from US have been observing and celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals
Week annually during the last week of April since then.
v Starting of NMLPW in India: In India, NMLPW is an initiative of the Indian Confederation of Medical Laboratory Science (ICMLS), which serves as the umbrella organisation for various Medical Laboratory Science Associations. ICMLS represents thousands of medical laboratory technologists and scientists working in both government and private healthcare establishments across the country. The first NMLPW was initiated in 2016 by associations affiliated with ICMLS. Since then, it has gained national recognition as a significant event for medical laboratory science professionals. The NMLPW in India is organised from 17th July to 23rd July every year.
v Significance of 17th July for Indian Medical Laboratory Professionals: July 17 is a significant date for Indian medical laboratory professionals, as it marks a pivotal moment in the profession's history. On this day in 2015, the Central Government issued an order that fundamentally restructured the cadre for central government medical laboratory professionals. This reform established uniformity in recruitment rules, qualifications, designations, and career pathways throughout India. For the first time, medical laboratory professionals were formally recognised as Medical Laboratory Technologists, replacing the previous designations of Lab Technician and Lab Assistant. This milestone paved the way for various state, central departments and ministries to standardise cadre structures and job roles within the profession. Consequently, July 17 was designated as a landmark date for medical laboratory professionals and marks the official commencement of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW) under the aegis of the ICMLS."
v Purpose: The basic purpose of the National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week:
ü Recognize and honour
the contributions of medical laboratory professionals.
ü Increase
public awareness and understanding of their vital role.
ü Promote the Medical
Lab Profession as an essential part of healthcare.
ü Showcase
innovation and expertise in medical laboratory sciences.
ü Encourage
engagement and celebration within the lab community.
ü Emphasize the yearly
theme to inspire adaptability and resilience.
v Scope of Activities Organised During NMLPW: NMLPW is celebrated across India in numerous major government and private healthcare institutions, including AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, LHMC, SSKH-KSCH, Dr. RMLH, VMMC and SJH, Delhi, ESIC Hospitals, CGHS Centres, Railway Hospitals, and state-run government healthcare set ups and private healthcare establishments. All member associations of the Indian Confederation of Medical Laboratory Sciences (ICMLS) enthusiastically participate in the annual celebrations. Beyond the festivities, NMLPW serves as a vital platform to discuss issues related to professional development and career advancement in the field. The celebrations include a variety of initiatives such as blood donation camps, awareness programs for organ and eye donation, yoga sessions, tree plantation drives, and various cultural and sports events. Additionally, Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ seminars are organized to promote ongoing professional development and excellence in healthcare practices.
The
ICMLS collaborates with its member associations and invites all members and
non-members of the medical laboratory science community, including students and
faculty from healthcare establishments, universities, academic institutions,
and laboratories, to participate in the NMLPW celebrations, which is held from
17 July to 23rd July every year. This national initiative aims to promote and
celebrate this noble profession.
The ICMLS Guidelines for Organizing Scientific, Professional, and Social Programs During National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW)
Whereas, pursuant to Article 15(c) of the ICMLS Constitution and the decision of the ICMLS Central Governing Council at its meeting on 15th November 2024 in Delhi, a committee was constituted under ICMLS to develop comprehensive guidelines for the National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW), observed across India under the aegis of ICMLS from 17th to 23rd July. On the recommendation of this committee, the Central Governing Council has formally approved the following guidelines to ensure uniformity in activities and alignment with the ICMLS vision and mission, thereby fostering the overall advancement of the Medical Laboratory Profession and its Professionals. Furthermore, to ensure consistency and adherence to the ICMLS framework, all Associations must follow these guidelines:
- Logo Usage and Restrictions: All Branches and member Associations should utilize the following official logo of the NMLPW. This logo is available for download on the ICMLS website. But non-member Associations are strictly prohibited from using the NMLPW logo unless explicit permission is granted by the ICMLS.
- Official Branding and Colour of Banners/ Posters: The colour of official branding and Colour of banners/ posters etc may be as per the choice of the organising team of the concerned Associations/branches. However, light blue colour may be preferred.
- Policy Compliance: All activities organized by member Associations/Branches must strictly adhere to the extant policies and guidelines of the parent organisation, institution and guidelines set forth by the ICMLS.
- Reporting & Documentation: Member Associations are advised to submit a detailed reports on activities, participation metrics, and outreach efforts to ICMLS to maintain transparency and standardization and further promotion of the activities.
- Media & Public Engagement: Associations should use official NMLPW hashtags and recommended templates for promotional materials to maintain a unified national presence. It is also advised to promote the academic, professional and social activities in the overall interest of the profession and professionals.
- Financial & Legal Accountability: The ICMLS will not assume financial or legal responsibilities; each Association is fully accountable for its own fundraising and activities as per the norms of the parent Institution, College, Hospital, or Organization or Association. Whereas the ICMLS Branches are strictly advised to follow ICMLS rules and regulations related to finances.
- Yearly theme of the NMLPW: The theme of the ICMLS Conference and NMLPW shall be common during a particular year.
- Starting and closing date of NMLPW: All scientific, professional and social activities proposed for NMLPW should be organised during the Week.
- Scope of activities/program which may be undertaken during NMLPW: The celebrations include a variety of initiatives such as blood donation camps, awareness programs for organ and eye donation, yoga sessions, tree plantation drives, and various cultural and sports events. Additionally, Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminars are organized to promote ongoing professional development and excellence in healthcare practices.
- Minimum standard and understandings: The standard and quality of all scientific and academic program should be strictly maintained. The organiser must have proper knowledge and understanding related to history, background and purpose of NMLPW.
- All branches and affiliated associations of ICMLS are required to follow above mentioned guidelines.
- These guidelines have been approved vide ICMLS resolution reference: ICMLS/2025/NMLPW Guidelines/V.01- Date: 15th May, 2025
References:
§
Ministry of Health
& FW, Govt of India- Cadre review of Medical Laboratory Staff Order dated
17th July, 2015
§ Directorate General of Health Services-MOHFW official Meeting dated 16.08.2023
ICMLS-2025 POSTER-
