PENANG, 7 February 2014 - It is a challenge no doubt but Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Doping Control Centre (DCC) is determined to regain accreditation from the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), latest by the end of 2014 in time for the centre to be internationally recognised again beginning in 2015.

Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Isa Abdul Majid who was appointed DCC Director effective 1 January 2014 remarked that consistent efforts had been made to restore the glory and pride of DCC as the only anti-doping centre in the country and these efforts are progressing well as planned.

He pointed out that DCC only needs to meet two more criteria before it is recognised as one of the 33 WADA doping centres in the world, in order to provide services to conduct tests on urine samples for clients from all over the country.

The two remaining criteria are to ensure the efficiency of the staff and also ensure that sophisticated equipment worth millions of dollars in DCC are fully functional at optimal capacity," he said.

“At the same time, staff at the DCC should also be prepared at all times for any eventualities and they should be constantly aware that they are providing services globally," Mohamed Isa said, adding that only 35 doping centres will receive WADA recognition.

Mohamed Isa received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from USM in 1984 and his PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Bath, the United Kingdom in 1988. He began his career as a lecturer in the university in 1988 and was subsequently seconded to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation where he was appointed as Founding Director of Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm).

Referring to the expectations of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr Omar Osman, outlined in Together for University’s Excellence (BUKU) 2014, Mohamed Isa identified several areas of concern.

“DCC is now in the process of strengthening the strategic plan based on the BUKU 2014’s First Pillar and that is to empower DCC and to position the Centre for Advanced Analytical Toxicology Services (CAATS),” said Mohamed Isa who is also the Director of CAATS, appointed in 1 January 2013.

“Our aim in 2014 is to regain WADA recognition and also to apply for a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Therefore, some planning and research had been carried out mainly to update the quality management system between CAATS and DCC even though they are under one management.

“Moreover, DCC also conduct training programmes for its staff to increase their efficiency and to optimise the use of sophisticated equipment and machinery here,” said Mohamed Isa.

The implementation plan for this purpose this year is to prepare the Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (LSOP) and Laboratory Quality Management (LQM), the provision of quality systems, the optimal use of the equipment and to conduct internal audits.

Mohamed Isa also said among other things that need to be addressed are the promotion of the services offered at CAATS and DCC to make it more comprehensive and global in nature.

“We need to source for more samples including those from abroad. This is particularly beneficial in rendering the two centres that have been identified by the University as among the centres that have potential to generate high income,” he said.

He added that according to the records, the centre under his supervision was able to earn up to RM1.8 million and for the year 2014, the centre aims to increase its revenue generation to RM2 million.

“I reminded all the staff members to adopt a global mindset in carrying out their daily tasks. They can no longer look at things within a narrow or local scope.

“CAATS and DCC eventually need to be more responsible to comply with the best quality systems to ensure that quality and standards are always met and maintained,” he said as he pointed out that the centres also have the potential for research and development purposes.

Elaborating on the development of CAATS, this service-based centre which is also the national reference laboratory in analysing the safety and quality of food, is now recognised as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) ISO 17025 compliant and has shown encouraging achievements in terms of generating income for the university.

Mohamed Isa said that CAATS has a team of highly skilled staff who are specialised in mass spectrometry-based analysis and is growing well in line with its function as a centre for setting excellent service standards recognised by the world body.

CAATS has a good performance track record and trusted by clients that included the government and industry due to its efficiency and quality service that is adopted.

“CAATS also has a very high potential in sourcing for funds and providing toxicological analysis to thrust the country onto the global level and has the ability to collaborate with research universities, agencies, and health and nutrition industries around the world,” he added. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias​​ & Rafizah Nor Md Zain/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa