Expensive tests at affordable rates in south dispensaries

NEW DELHI: The south Delhi municipal corporation (SDMC) soon provide expensive diagnostic tests at affordable, central government health scheme (Cghs)-approved rates at its dispensaries.

To provide quality health care facilities to people, especially the financially weaker sections, in its jurisdiction, the SDMC will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (Nabl)-certified lab to run the project on a public private partnership basis.

The lab will collect samples from the SDMC’S dispensaries to conduct 40 different kinds of tests and charge CGHS-APproved rates from patients.

“At present, the SDMC’S dispensaries provide basic tests such as blood sugar, culture and haemoglobin. For other tests such as CT (computed tomography) scan, X-rays and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, doctors recommend patients to other hospitals, which is costly,” said Dr. PK Dash, additional director, health administration.

The civic agency invited bids from interested labs and is in the process of finalising rates and other terms and conditions.

The project has been approved by the standing committee and will be placed in the house soon. The project will be implemented within two months of the house approving it.

“After implementation, the tests, which normally cost R 5,000-6,000, will be provided at half or less than half the rates. In critical cases, the lab will also arrange for taking the patients for tests free of cost. In lieu of these services, a percentage of the revenue will be shared with the lab company,” said SDMC official.

To begin with, the facilities would be provided at eight dispensaries in Lajpat Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Badarpur, Uttam Nagar, Bijwasan, Gummenhera, Munirka and Fatehpur Beri.

“The facilities will be developed in two dispensaries in every zone so that the maximum number of patients can avail of the benefit,” said Shikha Rai, leader of the house.

Last year, 22 lakh patients had visited over 100 dispensaries, polyclinics, maternity clinics, mobile units and maternal and child welfare centres of SDMC.

Officials are confident that the project will increase the footfall at these places.