National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is the largest diagnostic pathology service in South Africa, established in 2001 as a national public entity. It provides essential laboratory and public health services to over 80% of the South African population through a network of over 250 laboratories, supporting public hospitals and clinics. The organization integrates diagnostic services with research, teaching, and training. It comprises several specialized divisions, including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), and the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), which manufactures vaccines and antivenoms.