Public Health Laboratory

IPH started its journey with the Combined Public Health Laboratory in 1952. The Laboratory conducts tests of food and water samples according to the country’s laws and regulations and standards, as well as international standards. The food and water samples are being sent by the Sanitary Inspectors working under the DGHS, Pourashava and City Corporations as well as from other agencies including private, international organizations and UN bodies across the country. With the test results, the local authorities take legal actions against the offenders. Laboratory is also involved in conducting studies on safety and quality of food and water. The laboratory conducts routine and regular test of water samples from the Bangabhavan, Ganabhavan, Office of the Hon’ble Prime Minster, Parliament and other important offices. Earlier, the laboratory was also involved in implementation of food safety programme in the country in collaboration with the World Health Organization. The laboratory has been manned by a group of experts and analysts trained in home and abroad.

Earlier, it was the Public Health and Drug Testing Laboratory (PH&DTL). Until recently, the Drug Testing Laboratory wing was under the administrative and technical control of the IPH. As per recommendations of the WHO, the MoHFW placed the DTL under the administrative control of Directorate General of Drug Administration, but staff salaries and other recurring expenditure are still met from the existing budget of the IPH.