CHITUNGWIZA Central Hospital and City of Harare's Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospitals have best laboratory services in Zimbabwe, a recent assessment has revealed.

The assessment conducted by the Zimbabwe National Quality Assurance Trust in the past 18 months among 19 participating laboratories revealed that services at the two institutions were of high quality deserving a four star status.

The highest status of quality assurance is five stars. Speaking at a quality systems and accreditation awareness meeting held in Harare yesterday, ZINQAP director Mrs Sibongile Zimuto said the two institutions compete with only a few other laboratories in Southern Africa.

Mrs Zimuto said: "What it means is that the laboratory had a number of challenges ranging from human resources, malfunctioning equipment and shortage of reagents among others."

Some of the laboratories whose quality services were compromised by these factors include Banket, which did not get any star. Gweru, Rusape and United Bulawayo Hospitals earned a star each.

Harare Central hospital got a three star status while Parirenyatwa and Mpilo Central Hospitals have two stars.

The majority of participating laboratories are in the three and two star category for service delivery.

Ministry of Health and Child Welfare director of laboratory service Mr Douglas Mangwanya said Government was looking forward to have a policy compelling laboratories to undergo quality assurance checks.

He,however, said laboratories need approved and recommended products to function effectively.