QAI launches accreditation program for Biobanks in India

An international standard “ISO 20387: Biobanking- General Requirements for Biobanking” has been published by ISO which is now being used for accreditation of biobanks. It contains requirements to enable biobanks to demonstrate competent biobank operation and the ability to provide biological material and associated data of appropriate quality for research and development.

This document is applicable to all organisations performing biobanking, including biobanking of biological material from multicellular organisms (e.g. human, animal, fungus and plant) and microorganisms for research and development.

Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI) has, for the first time in India, launched an accreditation programme for Biobanks on 12 March 2021. Upamanyu Basu, Joint Secretary (Animal Health), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt of India said in his launch address that it will help scientists to get authentic biological materials. Chief guest, Dr Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Govt of India impressed on the need of adopting standard by biobanks in different sectors. The other key dignitaries present were Prof Vikram Kumar, Chairman-QAI-CLA; Prof George Dagher, Convenor, ISO/TC 276/WG2 Biobanks and Bioresources; Anil Jauhri, Ex-CEO-NABCB/QCI; Dr Pramod Bajaj, Chair-QAI TC, Dr Birendra Kumar Yadav, Manager, National Liver Disease Biobank, ILBS, Prof Thuppil Venkatesh, QAI Board Member and Dr BK Rana, CEO-QAI. The launch was attended by professionals both from public and private biobanks.

Accreditation would facilitate cooperation, fosters exchange, and assists in the harmonisation of practices among biobanks, researchers and other parties including regulators, governments and drug development organisations.

To develop experts and create awareness, first internal auditor training course is being conducted on 28-30 May 2021.