In 1965 a Clinical & Public Health Division was set up at the then National Health Laboratories to provide laboratory support for timely prevention & control and technical support during epidemics. In addition to routine medical laboratory diagnostic services, this Division successfully provided coverage over the years for public health activities at national level. The Division is now functional
with the name of Public Health Laboratories Division (PHLD) and is a WHO Collaborative Centre for Research and Training in Viral Diagnostics since late 1970s. Eversince its inception broad range of diagnostic services aiming public health support have been added to already existing facilities. This Division now comprises of the Departments of Virology/Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Haematology, Histopathology, Cyto-genetics, Chemical Pathology, Immunology, Electron Microscope, Reproductive Physiology, Parasitology and Environmental Health. In addition Epidemic Investigation Cell is also the part of this Division. Besides service delivery for laboratory diagnosis of communicable and non-communicable diseases and epidemics, the PHLD has engaged in disease surveillance, response and imparting technical training about new developments.
