MANDATE
As the main research arm of the Department of Health for prevention and control of infectious and tropical diseases, the RITM has vigorously pursued its research programs, built up its manpower and laboratory resources, established the expanded formal linkages with local and international institutions, and disseminated research results for application in control programs.
In 1998, production of biologicals and vaccines was added to the mandate of RITM.
Department Order No. 393-E s 2000 designated the RITM as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for dengue, influenza, enteroviruses, measles and other viral exanthems, tuberculosis and other mycobateria, bacterial enteric diseases, antimicrobial resistance, mycology, emerging diseases, malaria and other parasites and NRL for confirmatory testing of blood units.
FUNCTIONS
The primary function of RITM has been two-fold: to undertake research in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases of public health importance and to produce vaccines for the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. To be relevant to the national health policy and strategy, the research efforts have been directed towards the development of new diagnostic techniques as well as effective and efficient strategies for the control of infectious and/or tropical diseases. Its research efforts are being disseminated through local and international publications, presented in various scientific meetings and submitted to the health policy-making bodies.
General functions are to:
- Provide high quality tertiary care to both in-patients and out-patients suffering from tropical diseases included within the scope of the Institute’s research activities.
- Undertake research activities in the diagnosis, control and prevention of tropical diseases that are major causes of mortality and morbidity in the Philippines.
- Develop cost effective strategies for the control of infectious/tropical diseases.
- Conduct clinical trials according to accepted Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, aimed at better understanding and control of tropical diseases.
- Conduct regular training courses for medical and paramedical personnel in the control of common tropical diseases in the country.
- Participate in the technical cooperation programs with foreign government in research activities in the diagnosis, control and prevention of tropical diseases.
QUALITY POLICY
We, at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), are committed to deliver quality services in the field of tropical infectious and dermatological diseases through research, health care, trainings, surveillance and production of vaccines and biologicals to consistently meet the dynamic needs and expectations of our customers.
To attain this, we shall continually:
- Comply with relevant local and international laws and regulations, ethical standards and organizational policies.
- Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our processes and procedures.
- Deliver prompt and quality services to all customers and other stakeholders.
- Conduct research activities.
- Update and improve training programs.
- Assist the Department of Health in the development of evidence-based policies for the control/elimination of infectious diseases.
- Provide technical and laboratory support for infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigations of the Department of Health.
- Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices in the production of vaccines and biologicals.
- Ensure availability of competent staff through regular manpower training and development.
- Provide a clean and safe work environment and infrastructure.
- Search and adapt relevant technology in our process.
This quality policy shall be communicated to all employees and stakeholders and reviewed annually at all levels of management to ensure continual improvement and alignment with the vision and mission of RITM.
Every employee of RITM shall commit to the efficient and effective implementation of the quality policy.