The Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs has achieved two significant accreditations from the Saudi Accreditation Center — the official authority responsible for granting conformity assessment accreditations in the Kingdom — in recognition of its leadership in healthcare delivery and excellence in genetic and epidemiological medical research aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both common and rare diseases in Saudi Arabia.The announcement took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Bandar Al Knawy, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, and Dr. Adel Al Qaaid, Executive Director of the Saudi Accreditation Center.
King Abdulaziz Medical City's Eye Bank in Riyadh received ISO 20387 certification, making it the first facility in the Kingdom (Certificate No. 001) to obtain this accreditation. The Eye Bank is now considered one of the Kingdom's pioneering national projects in the field of eye care and blindness prevention, through the local provision of corneas and amniotic membranes without reliance on foreign eye banks.
Additionally, the Saudi Biobank at King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) was also awarded ISO 20387 certification, making it the first biobank in the Kingdom to receive this distinction. This achievement marks a strategic milestone in developing an advanced national biobanking platform that actively supports cutting-edge medical research and enhances the Kingdom's readiness in the areas of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
This accomplishment aligns with the objectives of the National Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading regional hub for bioresearch and innovation, while improving quality of life through the development of innovative medical solutions that meet public health needs and national healthcare priorities.