by Norrice F. Victorio

The Newborn Screening Center–National Institutes of Health (NSC-NIH) completed two major audits conducted this year, further solidifying its commitment to quality and excellence in service delivery. The audits marked significant milestones in the Center’s pursuit of continuous improvement and accreditation readiness.
NSC External Audit (May 6–8, 2025)
The External Audit assessed the Center’s overall quality management system (QMS) and its preparedness for multiple accreditations, including the ISO 15189, ISO 9001:2015, and TUV Rheinland re-certification. The audit team commended the NSC-NIH for its resilience and proactive approach amid operational challenges.
ISO Surveillance Audit (May 30, 2025)
Conducted by the TUV Rheinland, the ISO Surveillance Audit offered an in-depth review of NSC-NIH’s sample operations and their compliance with the ISO standards. Through random sampling, interviews, and document review, the audit verified the Center’s alignment with prescribed protocols and quality documentation.
Rising to the Challenge, Moving Forward

While both audits recognized the NSC-NIH’s strong culture of collaboration and dedication to quality, they also provided valuable recommendations for improvement. The Center is committed to addressing these areas to further strengthen its systems, infrastructure, and workforce alignment.
With these successful audits behind us, NSC-NIH moves forward with greater confidence and renewed focus—upholding its mission to safeguard the health of every Filipino newborn through timely, accurate, and reliable screening services.
