Focus on Health Sector on World Metrology Day

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) will focus on the health sector in its observance of World Metrology Day (WMD), which is highlighted each year on May 20.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on May 17,  Engineering & Metrology Co-ordinator at the BSJ, Richard Lawrence,pointed out that the organisation has developed  and is seeking to fully implement a programme geared at assisting critical elements of health care.

This programme, he added, will be launched on Monday, May 21, in observance of WMD.

Mr. Lawrence noted  that the theme for the day is: ‘Metrology for Safety’,  and focus will be placed on the importance of correct measurements to ensure safety, whether at work or leisure activities.

The Co-ordinator explained that through the programme, dubbed Health Sector Metrology Programme, the BSJ will be encouraging and making itself available to ensure accuracy, reliability and traceability of measurements used in diagnosis, treatment and verification activities.

To mark the day, the BSJ will be having a presentation on Monday, May 21, at its offices at 6 Winchester Road, to highlight the programme’s goal, objectives and benefits.

The presentation will be for medical personnel and operators of medical facilities and diagnostic services and the public who utilise these services.

World Metrology Day has now become an established annual event, during which more than 80 countries celebrate the impact of measurement on their daily lives.

The day was chosen in recognition of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875, the beginning of formal international collaboration in metrology. Each year World Metrology Day is organised and celebrated jointly by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and the International Organisation of Legal Metrology.    

By Kadian Brown, JIS Reporter