Four Medical Laboratory Science lecturers from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), The Maldives National University (MNU), undertook specialised clinical placement and training from 25 to 30 January 2025 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manipal College of Higher Education. The programme focused on advanced areas of laboratory diagnostics, providing lecturers with practical clinical exposure relevant to both teaching and professional practice.

The training covered Clinical Immunoserology and Laboratory Diagnosis of Haematological Diseases and Cytodiagnosis , enabling participants to further develop their knowledge and practical competencies in specialised diagnostic techniques. Exposure to advanced clinical laboratory practices provided an opportunity for lecturers to strengthen their understanding of diagnostic processes and approaches used within these areas of medical laboratory science.

As academic staff responsible for preparing future medical laboratory professionals, the lecturers can integrate knowledge and experience gained through the placement into teaching and practical training at FHS. The experience is also relevant to curriculum development and the continued alignment of Medical Laboratory Science education with evolving laboratory practices and healthcare needs.

Beyond professional development, the placement reflects the practical value of MNU’s partnership with Manipal Acadamy of Higher Education. The MoU provides a framework through which academic engagement can extend to specialised training and knowledge exchange between the two institutions. Such collaboration creates opportunities for continued academic exchange and future joint activities in areas of shared interest.

Strengthening expertise in laboratory diagnostics is particularly relevant to the preparation of Medical Laboratory Science graduates, whose professional competencies contribute to accurate laboratory investigation and the wider delivery of healthcare services. International clinical exposure for academic staff therefore supports both the quality of health professions education and the development of the healthcare workforce in the Maldives.

The initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being through its relevance to laboratory diagnostic practice, SDG 4: Quality Education** through specialised professional development for educators, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange.