Diagnostics hub planned at Victoria Hospital to improve access to advanced testing services

In a move to improve access to advanced diagnostic services in government hospitals, the Health Department has proposed setting up a centralised hub laboratory at Victoria Hospital under Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).

The initiative is aimed at providing high-end diagnostic tests that are currently unavailable in many government hospitals, forcing patients to depend on private laboratories and hospitals.

Officials said the proposed hub lab at Victoria Hospital will help bridge this gap by enabling access to advanced testing within the public healthcare system. Hospitals have been directed to submit the required proposals for establishing the facility through a government order issued in this regard on April 1.

Expansion of lab services

The department is looking to expand diagnostic services across Health Department-run hospitals by optimising existing laboratory infrastructure.

At present, walk-in patients are being provided diagnostic services at CGHS rates through HIND Labs operated by HLL Lifecare Limited at K C General Hospital.

The government now plans to extend a similar model to Sir C V Raman General Hospital and Jayanagar General Hospital, and has sought proposals from these hospitals.

In addition, instructions have been issued to utilise government lab capacity more effectively by offering services to walk-in patients, including those above the poverty line (APL), at prescribed rates.

Home sample collection

To improve access for vulnerable groups, the department has proposed home sample collection services for elderly, critically ill and chronically ill patients who are unable to visit hospitals regularly.

Under this system, trained phlebotomists will visit patients’ homes to collect samples. The service will be provided through HIND Labs of HLL Lifecare Limited at CGHS rates, with additional transport charges applicable.