by Nikki D. Dela Cruz, RN, MPH
The Newborn Screening Center – Central Luzon (NSC-CL) passed its external audit held from May 19 to 23, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality newborn screening services. As the fourth Department of Health (DOH)-accredited center in the Philippines, the NSC-CL continues to serve the Central Luzon and Cordillera Administrative Regions with dedication to world-class care for newborns.
The audit evaluated the center’s compliance with national and international standards and protocols, ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of its screening processes. This rigorous assessment, conducted by the Newborn Screening Reference Center in collaboration with other NSC counterparts, aligns with the DOH’s mandate to uphold quality assurance through periodic external audits of all newborn screening centers nationwide.
Beyond laboratory procedures, the audit also reviewed the NSC-CL’s systems for advocacy and promotion, patient recall, referral networks, and follow-up care—critical components in the effective management of confirmed cases.
The NSC-CL remains committed to continuously improve its services to help secure healthier futures for newborns within its coverage areas. Under the leadership of Dr. Bernadette Halili-Mendoza, the center demonstrated exemplary adherence to operational standards. The successful audit further solidifies the NSC-CL’s vital role in ensuring the timely diagnosis and early intervention for newborns with heritable disorders, contributing to the broader national goal of nurturing healthier Filipino children.
