Established in 2001, the Association of Practising Pathologists (APP) India, stepped into the global arena with bold intent, when it became a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Back then, we were a small but determined collective of practising pathologists who believed deeply in raising the bar of laboratory medicine across the country. Today, as we celebrate our Silver Jubilee in 2025, that belief has evolved into a thriving national movement powered by hundreds of dedicated professionals. Twenty-five years of unbroken proficiency testing, unbroken quarterly scientific sessions, and an unbroken commitment to quality—interrupted only briefly during the peak of the COVID‑19 pandemic—reflect the discipline and resilience that define our association.

Our membership with ILAC was a turning point. It gave us not just recognition, but direction—a global framework to benchmark, enhance, and align our systems with international best practices. ILAC did more than endorse us; it pushed us, polished us, and inspired us to build quality systems robust enough for global collaboration while remaining rooted in the realities of Indian healthcare. This support accelerated our mission of establishing a culture of reliability and continuous improvement in pathology.

   

One of the most transformative steps on this journey was the creation of our own Proficiency Testing (PT) program. Recognising that PT is the backbone of accurate diagnostics, we focused on building accessible, affordable and clinically meaningful PT schemes tailored to the needs of Indian laboratories. Over the years, this program has expanded across all key disciplines of laboratory medicine — including Clinical Biochemistry, Hematology, Immunoassays, Serology, and Microbiology — empowering labs to validate their analytical systems, pinpoint areas needing improvement, and reinforce confidence in their reporting standards. In practice, it brings the philosophy of ISO 15189 directly into day‑to‑day laboratory operations.

But quality is not sustained by systems alone; it thrives on knowledge, collaboration, and shared curiosity. For this reason, education has always been at the heart of APP’s identity. Across 25 years, we have organised over 90 scientific sessions, drawing leading experts from India and abroad. These quarterly meetings have consistently delivered high‑value academic exchanges, featuring slide presentations and in‑depth discussions on pre‑circulated histopathology, cytopathology, and hematopathology cases. This format keeps our members sharp, current, and connected to the evolving diagnostic landscape, spanning digital pathology, molecular diagnostics, advances in clinical biochemistry, and more.

COVID‑19 tested our adaptability, and we rose to the moment. Within weeks, we transitioned to digital platforms and re‑engineered our academic discussions into virtual and hybrid formats. This shift didn’t just help us survive the disruption; it rewired the organisation for the future. Participation soared, geographical barriers fell away, and the association witnessed a surge in membership and engagement. Hybrid case discussions and virtual histopathology and cytology comparison sessions became powerful tools that strengthened collaboration and decision‑making even further.

Our annual Pathcon and Lab Expo has emerged as another defining pillar in our journey. Today, these events stand among the most anticipated national gatherings for pathologists, researchers, and industry leaders. More than conferences, they function as dynamic ecosystems where new ideas, technologies, and innovations are unveiled. For industry partners, the expo is a trusted platform to launch developments; for pathologists and technologists, it is a hub for learning, networking, and shaping the roadmap of Indian laboratory medicine.

As we read the updates from the Bangkok meetings and witness the formation of the Global Accreditation Cooperation, we feel a deep alignment with these global objectives. The themes of harmonisation, mutual recognition, and strengthening quality infrastructures resonate strongly with APP’s long-standing mission. Our growth—from a handful of committed professionals to a nationwide force advocating for quality—mirrors ILAC’s spirit of collaboration and shared progress.

We are honoured to contribute to this historic final issue of the ILAC Newsletter. For anyone wishing to explore our work, our PT programs, or our upcoming academic activities, we welcome you to visit us at www.appvilac.com.

With sincere gratitude to ILAC for its enduring support and encouragement, we look forward to continuing this shared journey—building a stronger, more reliable, and globally connected future for laboratory medicine, both in India and beyond.

Dr Rakesh Sharma MBBS, MD, IFCAP. Founding President 2001-2008 The Association of Practising Pathologists