Public Health closes blood bank and laboratory in Santo Domingo Este for operating without a license
The Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic has proceeded with the immediate closure of the Cedalab EIRL Blood Bank and Clinical Laboratory, an establishment that operated in the Villa Duarte sector, Santo Domingo East. The decision was made following a technical inspection that revealed multiple irregularities and the lack of the mandatory operating license to offer health services.
The Directorate of Health Services and Facilities Licensing conducted a supervisory operation where it detected critical deficiencies in fundamental areas. Among the main findings are failures in blood sample processing, lack of preventive maintenance on medical equipment, deficiencies in the refrigeration and storage system, as well as inadequate handling of biological waste and chemical reagents.
The closure is part of the surveillance and control actions intended to ensure that health establishments operate in accordance with the standards established in the General Health Law 42-01 and Regulation 1138-03.
Ministry of Public Health
Confusion regarding plan certification
According to the administrative file, Cedalab initiated a process in June 2023 to obtain a non-objection certification for plans, a document that was issued on July 5 of the same year after complying with the initial observations. However, health authorities clarified that having this certification does not equate to an operating license.
- The operating license is the only document that authorizes the provision of health services.
- The non-objection to blueprints is only a preliminary step that evaluates the physical infrastructure of the project.
- The center did not carry out the formal process to obtain the definitive operating permit.
Strict regulations for blood banks
From Alofoke Deportes, we remind you that the handling of blood components carries high risks, which is why the sanitary requirements for these types of centers are extremely rigorous. Current regulations in the Dominican Republic require constant verification of technical personnel, the quality of equipment, and the traceability of every procedure performed.
This administrative measure seeks to safeguard public health and ensure that every health center complies with the necessary technical conditions to protect both patients and the staff working in said facilities. The Ministry of Public Health maintains its call to the population to verify the legality of the centers where they go to have clinical analyses or health procedures performed.
