National List of Essential Diagnostics

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has updated its National List of Essential Diagnostics to make clinical testing more accessible across various levels of healthcare facilities, from sub-centres to super-speciality hospitals.

Key Updates

• The list was first created in 2019 and has now been revised to include rapid diagnostic and biochemical tests at lower health centres.
• New tests have been added for diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, Hepatitis B, and syphilis, especially at the sub-centre level.
• The list recommends that samples for dengue testing should also be collected at the sub-centre level due to its expanded reach.
• Blood tests for glucose levels, liver enzymes, and cholesterol are now possible at primary healthcare centres with the help of semi-auto analyzers.

Public Health Implications

The updated list aims to address ambitious targets for various diseases and enhance public health outcomes.

• It supports the government’s initiative to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047 through screening and awareness.
• The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aims to reduce cases and fatalities from hepatitis infections.
• Recommended sample collection for molecular TB testing from sub-centre level and performing tests in-house at community health centre level onwards.

Economic and Structural Impact

The revised list aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and streamline healthcare service delivery.

• Implemented under the Free Diagnostics Service Initiative, making tests widely available at no cost.
• Sub-district hospitals are being upgraded to district hospitals and eventually to medical colleges to improve healthcare infrastructure.