Strengthening free diagnostics services in states
The access to quality assured diagnostics is essential to delivering health services to people and critical for advancing universal health coverage (UHC), addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations — the three strategic priorities of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13), which defines WHO's strategy for the five-year period, 2019-2023. The GPW 13 focuses on triple billion targets to achieve measurable impacts on people's health at the country level.
A workshop was organised by the National Health System Resource Centre (NHSRC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India and WHO Country Office for India in New Delhi on 30-31 May 2022 to support states in strengthening the implementation of free diagnostics services and promoting equitable access to quality, safe, efficacious, and affordable diagnostics.
The sessions witnessed in-depth deliberations amongst stakeholders and several states best practices from across all thematic areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vishal Chauhan, Joint Secretary (Policy) said that the Government of India is committed to strengthening the public health system for timely and seamless delivery of quality health services to ensure a continuum of care.
Major General Dr Atul Kotwal Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre said that the workshop is timely and coincides with several key initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), Integrated Public Health Laboratories and strengthening free diagnostics in states launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Dr Ranjan Choudhury, Advisor - Healthcare Technology in NHSRC said that workshop will provide insights into India’s evolving health system in the field of diagnostics in the context of strengthening diagnostics services, quality assurance and service delivery in the context of Integrated Public Health Laboratories.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Hilde De Graeve, Team Leader, Health Systems said that WHO India has been providing strategic policy support, guidance and evaluations to states over the past few years for free diagnostics services and procurement related aspects.
The workshop facilitated discussions on sharing best practices in states, innovative solutions, lessons learned, and challenges faced by states in implementation of free diagnostics services added Dr Madhur Gupta, Technical Officer, WHO India.
The workshop will build the capacity of the state programme officials for improved outcome in utilisation of the funds and health grant sanctioned related to diagnostics and equipment procurement.
