Industry
National Public Health Laboratory System
Engagement Type
National Diagnostics Strategy and Reference Laboratory Development
DealBridge Services
Strategic Advisory • Laboratory Network Design • Governance Framework Development • Quality Systems Alignment
Executive Overview
A national healthcare authority sought to strengthen its diagnostic capacity for infectious disease surveillance, advanced testing, and public health preparedness. Although multiple laboratories operated across the country, their capabilities had developed independently over time without a coordinated national framework.
Advanced diagnostic services were distributed unevenly across institutions, resulting in duplication of some specialized tests while other critical capabilities remained limited or unavailable domestically. This fragmented structure also created challenges during infectious disease outbreaks, when coordination between laboratories became essential.
DealBridge Global was engaged to design a national reference laboratory strategy capable of improving coordination between laboratories, strengthening advanced diagnostic capacity, and supporting national public health priorities.
Through a structured strategy development process, DealBridge helped define the role of national reference laboratories, design a coordinated diagnostic network, and create a roadmap for strengthening the country’s laboratory infrastructure.
The Situation
The national healthcare system included multiple hospital laboratories, university laboratories, and specialized diagnostic centers supporting both clinical care and public health programs.
Over time, individual institutions invested in new diagnostic technologies and testing capabilities. While these investments expanded national laboratory capacity, they were implemented independently without a coordinated national framework.
As a result, diagnostic services evolved unevenly across the country. Some laboratories performed advanced testing with relatively low volumes, while other specialized capabilities required sending samples abroad for analysis.
Public health authorities also faced challenges coordinating laboratory responses during infectious disease events. Laboratory responsibilities and testing capabilities were not clearly structured within a national reference system.
These issues highlighted the need for a coordinated national diagnostic strategy capable of supporting routine healthcare services while strengthening public health preparedness.
Core Challenge
The central challenge was system coordination rather than laboratory capacity.
Laboratory capabilities were distributed across multiple institutions without clear designation of reference laboratories responsible for advanced diagnostics and national coordination.
Some specialized tests were performed at multiple laboratories despite relatively low testing volumes, limiting opportunities to concentrate expertise and improve efficiency. At the same time, certain advanced diagnostic services were not fully available domestically, requiring international referrals that delayed results and increased costs.
Quality management systems also varied between laboratories, creating inconsistencies in operational standards and testing procedures.
In addition, the absence of a clearly structured national laboratory hierarchy complicated diagnostic coordination during public health emergencies.
Addressing these challenges required a national strategy capable of aligning laboratory capabilities with public health priorities.
The DealBridge Bridge Model
DealBridge structured the national laboratory strategy around a framework linking system challenges with coordinated outcomes.
Operational Challenges
Fragmented laboratory capabilities
Duplication of specialized testing
Limited national coordination
Variable laboratory quality systems
DealBridge Bridge
National reference laboratory framework
Diagnostic service distribution strategy
Integrated laboratory governance structure
National laboratory quality standards
Operational Outcomes
Coordinated national diagnostics network
Optimized use of specialized expertise
Improved public health surveillance capacity
Stronger national health security
The DealBridge Approach
DealBridge implemented a structured strategy development process focused on system assessment, network design, and governance alignment.
National Laboratory System Assessment
DealBridge conducted a comprehensive evaluation of laboratory capabilities across the healthcare system, including testing technologies, laboratory capacity, workforce expertise, and digital infrastructure. This assessment provided a clear view of national diagnostic strengths and gaps.
Reference Laboratory Framework
Based on system analysis, DealBridge developed a framework defining the role of national reference laboratories responsible for specialized diagnostics, advanced testing coordination, and public health surveillance support.
This framework established operational relationships between hospital laboratories, specialized laboratories, and national reference centers.
Diagnostic Service Distribution
A national service distribution model was designed to optimize where specific tests should be performed. Routine diagnostics remained available across healthcare facilities, while specialized testing was coordinated through designated reference laboratories.
Quality Systems Alignment
DealBridge proposed national quality management standards to harmonize laboratory operations across institutions and strengthen alignment with international accreditation frameworks.
Controlled Milestones
The national laboratory strategy was developed through a structured milestone framework.
Phase 1 – National Laboratory Assessment
Evaluation of laboratory capabilities, service distribution, and operational infrastructure.
Phase 2 – Strategic Framework Design
Development of the national reference laboratory model and governance structure.
Phase 3 – Implementation Roadmap
Creation of phased implementation plans addressing infrastructure development, workforce training, and digital integration.
Phase 4 – Policy Alignment
Alignment of regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and institutional responsibilities to support implementation.
Results
The national reference laboratory strategy provided health authorities with a clear roadmap for strengthening diagnostic infrastructure across the country.
Key outcomes included:
- clearer designation of national reference laboratories
- improved coordination between clinical and public health laboratories
- more efficient use of specialized diagnostic resources
- stronger preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks
- alignment of laboratory quality systems with international standards
These improvements enabled the country to move toward a more coordinated and resilient national diagnostics network.
Strategic Insight
Modern healthcare systems increasingly depend on coordinated laboratory networks capable of supporting both clinical diagnostics and public health surveillance.
A well-designed national reference laboratory system allows countries to concentrate expertise, improve diagnostic quality, and respond more effectively to emerging health threats.
DealBridge Global supports national health authorities in developing these systems by bridging strategic planning with practical implementation frameworks.
