National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)

Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is currently working on updating the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), which has not been revised since it was introduced in 2019.

About:

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken the initiative to revise the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), a comprehensive compilation of the essential diagnostic tests that should be accessible across different healthcare facilities in India.
• This revision is a response to the acknowledgment of the ever-changing healthcare landscape and the necessity to tailor the list to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare system.

About NEDL:

• NEDL has been formed to meet all spheres of healthcare ranging from the village level, primary, secondary and tertiary.
• It is based on the Free Diagnostics Service Initiative and other initiatives by the Health Ministry to provide a broader spectrum of tests across different levels in the public health system.
• In all states, the National Health Mission is helping to ensure that basic diagnostics are available for free at their public health facilities.
• NEDL provides a comprehensive list of basic laboratory tests to aid in the treatment of patients and diagnosis for communicable as well as non-communicable conditions.

Objective of NEDL:

• The NEDL is created to provide a list of necessary diagnostic tests needed at different healthcare facilities, such as village-level healthcare centres, sub-health centres, health and wellness centres, and primary health centres.

Revised process of NEDL:

• The ICMR has recognized that it has been a long time since the initial list was released in 2019 and it needs to be updated.
• They are asking for input from stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals and researchers, on which diagnostic tests should be added or removed from the current list.
• Suggestions must be submitted by the end of February.

Guidelines for Including or Removal:

• The ICMR has outlined some directions for stakeholders to use when proposing amendments on the NEDL.
• These are criteria that include aspects such as the test’s significance, disease consequences, association with national health programs , compliance of Indian public standards in haleness and resources needed for testing.
• The main diagnostic tests are understood as those that address important health needs, selected according to the frequency of disease occurrence and its significance for public health, proven effectiveness and precision, compared with other examinations until costs.

Public Health:

• After rigorous data analysis of the disease burden taken from various states in India, it was decided to include diagnostic tests within NEDL.
• First and foremost, meeting public health needs, any new tests need to be feasible in terms of equipment, infrastructure as well as manpower based on the Indian Public Health Standards 2022.

Diagnostic:

• The Council desires to see evidence of use and need at the proposed level for any additions.
• Tests ought to be based on diseases with widespread occurrence or high significance for public health.
• The implementation of a diagnostic test should be reflected in significant changes with regards to the diagnosis and treatment process.

Conclusion:

The ICMR’s revision of the National Essential Diagnostics List shows their dedication to regularly updating important diagnostic tests to meet the changing healthcare needs of the public. The involvement of stakeholders in this process demonstrates a cooperative effort to improve healthcare delivery in India.

Source: The hindu

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