The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the draft of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) 2025, aiming to bolster diagnostic services across government healthcare facilities. This revised list seeks public feedback before final notification.
Key Enhancements:
•Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: The number of essential diagnostic tests increases from 12 to 16, ensuring more comprehensive care at the grassroots level.
•Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Essential tests will rise from 64 to 74, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
•Community Health Centres (CHCs): The list expands from 70 to 93 tests, broadening the scope of available diagnostics.
•District Hospitals: The most significant increase, from 117 to 171 tests, aims to provide advanced diagnostic services closer to patients.
•Village Level Testing: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) will now conduct 9 tests instead of 6, including the pioneering proposal for tuberculosis (TB) testing directly in villages.
Implementation Strategy:
The revised NEDL adopts a hub-and-spoke model, where sample collection occurs at all healthcare levels, but actual testing is centralized at equipped centers. This approach ensures efficient use of resources while expanding access to essential diagnostics.
Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chair of FICCI’s Health Services Committee, emphasized the critical role of government hospitals in transforming healthcare accessibility. “By strengthening diagnostic capabilities in these hospitals and integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven tools and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), we can ensure early detection and timely treatment, even in resource-limited settings,” he stated.
Advanced Testing Accessibility:
The draft NEDL 2025 also moves advanced tests for TB, HIV in infants, and viral loads for hepatitis B and C to the district level, previously available only at tertiary centers. This shift is expected to facilitate early diagnosis and management of these conditions.
ICMR invites healthcare professionals and stakeholders to review and comment on the draft NEDL 2025 by January 15, 2025. Feedback can be submitted via email at icmr.nedl2@gmail.com.
Access the Draft of Second edition of "National Essential Diagnostics List" for public comment : https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/Static/1735662855_draft_nedl_advt.pdf
