450 medical tests to be free from January 1

In the initial phase, the tests will be available at mohalla clinics across the city and later the facility will be extended to government hospitals as well.

An official said for now, the 212 tests which are available at mohalla clinics are being extended to 450 tests. (File/Express Photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

The Delhi government Tuesday announced it would provide 450 types of medical tests free of cost from January 1.

According to officials, in the initial phase, the tests will be available at mohalla clinics across the city and later the facility will be extended to government hospitals as well. “The plan is still in the initial stage, and we have been working on it for the past year. For now, the 212 tests, which are available at mohalla clinics, are being extended to 450,” said an official.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that as healthcare has become expensive, many people cannot afford private healthcare. “Providing good quality health and education to all, irrespective of anyone’s economic status, is our mission. Healthcare has become very expensive. Many people cannot afford private healthcare. This step will help all such people,” he said.

Story continues below this ad

An official said the CM has signed the file, and it has been sent to the L-G for approval.

The 450 medical tests include a number of expensive tests such as HCV genotyping and Serum catecholamine, which normally cost Rs 4,000-5,000. The Delhi government is currently taking care of 39 hospitals, 201 dispensaries, 31 polyclinics and 521 mohalla clinics.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram