The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled the draft for the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) 2025, aiming to enhance diagnostic services across India’s healthcare system. Public feedback is invited until January 15, 2025, after which the list will be finalized. The NEDL, first introduced in 2019, emphasizes the critical role of diagnostics in the healthcare framework.

Overview of NEDL 2025

The NEDL 2025 specifies essential diagnostic tests needed at various healthcare levels, including:

• Village-level health centres.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
• Community Health Centres (CHCs).
• Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs).
• District Hospitals (DHs).

The list covers crucial tests for common and high-priority diseases like diabetes, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis.

Key Changes in Diagnostic Offerings

The revised list significantly increases the availability of diagnostic tests across healthcare facilities:

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Expanded from 12 to 16 tests.
• Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Increased from 64 to 74 tests.
• Community Health Centres (CHCs): Grew from 70 to 93 tests.
• District Hospitals (DHs): Expanded from 117 to 171 tests.
• Village-level testing: ASHAs are now equipped to conduct tuberculosis tests, enhancing grassroots-level healthcare.

Hub-and-Spoke Model

The hub-and-spoke model is a key feature of the NEDL 2025:

• Sample collection happens at all healthcare levels.
• Centralized testing ensures resources are used efficiently.

This model is designed to make diagnostic services more accessible and streamlined across rural and urban regions.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Feedback

The draft NEDL 2025 was created with input from various stakeholders through multiple consultations. The ICMR welcomes public feedback via email at icmr.nedl2@gmail.com. This collaborative process ensures the list addresses the diverse healthcare needs of the Indian population effectively.

Integration with National Health Programmes

The NEDL 2025 aligns with:

• Existing Health Ministry guidelines.
• National health programmes.
• Free Diagnostics Service Initiative (FDSI).

This alignment ensures the diagnostic tests address prevalent diseases and healthcare challenges in India.

Essential Terms and Tests

• ASHA: Accredited Social Health Activist, vital for rural healthcare.
• CT Scan: Imaging technique for detailed internal analysis.
• HbA1c: Test for monitoring long-term glucose control in diabetes.
• HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, impacting the immune system.

Future of Diagnostics in India

Expanding diagnostic services under NEDL 2025 is critical for equitable healthcare. Key future goals include:

• Enhancing services in tier 2 and tier 3 cities for early detection and timely treatment.
• Integrating AI and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in government hospitals to boost diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

By bridging diagnostic gaps and leveraging technology, the NEDL 2025 promises to transform India’s public healthcare landscape.