Rapid test kits for Hepatitis B, Sickle cell anemia to be available at PHCs, government decides

NEW DELHI: In a big move to ensure timely detection of common diseases like Hepatitis B, sickle cell anemia and syphilis at primary level, the Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR ) has suggested that rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to diagnose them should be available at rural health centres. This includes the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Sub-Centres and primary health centres.

Sources said the move follows feedback received from national programs and other subject experts, who highlighted the growing importance of providing rapid diagnostic tools at primary health facilities for early detection and treatment.

Many RDTs available in the market have not been included for the want of robust evidence. Officials said these tests can be reconsidered for inclusion in the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) once the required data is comprehensively assessed and verified, the officials said.

The ICMR, which is the apex health research agency, released the NEDL in 2019 to set basic standards for availability of diagnostic facilities at health facilities in the country. Recently, it has been updated to include RDTs and other requirements.

For example, the 2019 NEDL had kept certain diagnostic tests under the "hub-and-spoke" model at primary health centres (PHCs). A hub and spoke model in a laboratory setting is a healthcare delivery strategy where a central, well-equipped "hub" laboratory provides specialized diagnostic services, while smaller, less equipped "spoke" laboratories handle routine and less complex testing, with samples often transferred between the two.

However, the updated equipment list which was released recently suggests these tests should be available at the PHCs itself. This will do away with the need for sample transfer to hubs thereby making it possible to diagnose and treat a wider array of conditions at the lower level, the ICMR says. The updated NEDL also addresses the issue of new nomenclature of healthcare facilities with Sub-Centres now referred to as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

The revision of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) was undertaken through extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. The process began with an open call on the ICMR website inviting suggestions on the existing Essential Diagnostics List. This was followed by four rounds of consultations to discuss the suggestions received with the relevant experts and stakeholders. Subsequently, the draft revised list was deliberated with representatives from State NHM and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The final list incorporated the feedback and recommendations received in all consultations, officials said.