Hi-Tech Laboratory Under NUHM in Bengaluru

Problem Statement

1. Reduce out of pocket expenditure as per NSSO-2016 where in an estimated 10% of total household out of pocket expenditure accounts for diagnostics.
2. The limited array of diagnostics available at UPHCs under NUHM leads to additional burden on tertiary care centres and patients.

Programme Description

• 6 Hi-Tech Laboratories have been established in Government Hospitals (UCHC) of ULBs under NUHM in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) On April 2018.
• Hi-Tech Laboratories are designed to operate as hubs under “Hub and Spike Model” design, the Special Outreach Camps and UPHCs serving as spokes.
• Laboratory, Radiology, Mammography and Ultrasonography services are provided free of cost for urban poor.
• 83 types of laboratory investigations at the hub and 19 types at the spokes (UPHCs).
• Basic lab services are provided in UPHCs and advanced diagnostics are referred/ transported to Hi-Tech Laboratory.
• Samples of active screening and referrals from Health Kiosk and SORC are being transported to Hi-Tech Laboratories.
• Hi-Tech Lab services are being utilised in mass screening camps of NCD, Active Case Finding campaigns for X-ray, LCDC etc in urban areas.
• Dedicated software for enrolment and reporting the results to the patient through message and to UPHC/UCHC.
• Five specialist doctors are supported by 30 paramedical staff in these laboratories through NUHM.
• An incentive of Rs. 200 is paid to the lab technician/ Group-D for the transport of samples from spokes to hub initially. State shall propose for courier system in FY 2020-21 PIP.

Programme Outcomes

• On an average of 100-120 patients seek services at the Hi-Tech laboratories. The rise in total tested samples has risen by 200 times in 2018-19 compared to previous year.

Financial Implications

• One-time investment of 4.3 crores.
• Annual Recurring cost of 17 lakhs (Excluding courier charges).

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019