The National Reference Laboratory for Medicines and Medical Devices, established to strengthen Mongolia's system for monitoring the quality and safety of medicines and medical products, was inaugurated on June 16.

Attending the inauguration and turnover ceremony were Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor, Minister of Health Batshugar Enkhbayar, Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Representative in Mongolia Socorro Escalante, Members of Parliament Chinburen Jigjidsuren, Munkhsaikhan Togtmol, Ganmaa Davaasambuu, and other officials.

Opening the laboratory, Prime Minister Uchral said, “This laboratory is a tangible outcome of the effective cooperation between the Government of Mongolia, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization. Mongolia now has a National Reference Laboratory for Medicines and Medical Devices. I have instructed that all medicines being sold on the market be tested within a month.”

Minister of Health Batshugar emphasized that, “The quality and safety of medicines are not solely issues for the health sector. They are fundamental to the lives and health of every citizen, public trust in government services, and national security. Therefore, the Government is consistently implementing reforms to bring the country's pharmaceutical regulation and quality control system in line with international standards.”

Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, noted, “One in every ten medicines used in low- and middle-income countries is either substandard or falsified. This is not merely a technical issue — it is a matter that puts lives at risk. A strong laboratory is more than just a building; it is a protective system that safeguards individuals, families, and society from harm. Today, Mongolia is strengthening that protection.”

With the commissioning of the National Reference Laboratory, Mongolia now has the capacity to test between 4,000 and 5,000 samples annually. The facility is expected to strengthen quality and safety assurance for medicines and medical devices supplied to the public while bringing inspection and testing capabilities up to international standards.

The laboratory is equipped with modern instruments and advanced analytical systems that support the professional development of specialists, helping them build expertise in line with international best practices.

Published Date:2026-06-17