Delhi's Health Boost: 10 New Labs for Better Diagnostics

The Delhi government has launched a major healthcare initiative to set up 10 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) across the city, aimed at strengthening diagnostic services at the primary healthcare level. The initiative is being coordinated by a committee formed by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, which is responsible for planning and overseeing the project's implementation.

These IPHLs will be linked to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and subcentres in their respective districts, significantly improving access to essential diagnostic services for the community. The committee is expected to submit a detailed project plan—covering infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and timelines—by July 7. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will supervise tender preparation for procurement and execution.

Aligned with the objectives of the PM-ABHIM (Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission) scheme, the IPHLs are designed to enhance public health infrastructure and ensure equitable access to high-quality diagnostics. Each lab will be equipped to conduct 118 mandatory diagnostic tests.

Selected hospitals for establishing the IPHLs include Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, among others.

According to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), each IPHL must operate 24/7 and be staffed with three specialists, 10 lab technicians working in shifts, and adequate support personnel to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.