HEALING TOUCH

NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE MAKING A MARK Molecular tests, use of genomics, advances in pre-natal tests and cancer care. BETTER DETECTION BUT AT A COST

– A molecular test for malaria costs around ` 2,800. This is more than the total cost of treatment (including the routine test and treatment) in a non-hospital setting. Similarly, for the dengue Elisa test, the current gold standard and routine test costs around ` 600 but a molecular test costs around ` 3,700. BIG HURDLE Poor insurance coverage as most insurers do not cover outpatient diagnostic services BIG CHALLENGE No entry barrier; accreditation is optional. WHAT IS NEEDED Some basic regulations to ensure quality and minimum standards for small units without making NABL accreditation mandatory.