VietNamNet Bridge - The first Biosafety Laboratory Level 3 in Viet Nam meeting international standards was put into operation yesterday in Ha Noi for research on contagious diseases in a safe environment.

Built from August 2006 to December 2007 at a cost of US$8 million and funded by the Japanese Government, the lab will be used to conduct research on deadly infectious diseases like avian influenza’s H5N1 strain and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Notably, it protects researchers from contracting any disease under study.

The National Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute which owns the lab, is expected to continue further cooperation with the Japanese Government in implementing a US$2-million project to train ten officials towards effectively using this lab.

In related news, the Ministry of Health (MoH) Monday urged tighter control over pharmaceutical products and vaccines distributed in the country.

Accordingly, since January 7, all pharmaceutical product exporters, importers and retailers were to strictly abide by the Good Distribution Practice (ADP) and Good Storage Practice (GSP) standards in order to continue their businesses.

Moreover, all laboratories used for vaccine and pharmaceutical product testing are also required to comply with the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standard.

According to MoH, the new regulations were aimed at making all pharmaceutical and vaccine producers meet World Health Organization standards by 2011.

(Source: SGGP)