In order to ensure delivery of quality healthcare at all levels and optimum utilisation of healthcare human resource, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has devised first list of essential diagnostic tests and medicines, a document that aims to guide union and state health ministries, including J&K in devising better peripheral healthcare policies. The list has been devised based on World Health Organization’s guidelines and is expect to act as a checklist for policy makers, especially at a time when union ministry is in the process of updating essential drug list. The central drugs standards and controls organisation may include diagnostics under essential drug list, which in turn will help in price regulation of these tests. The development holds significance for health sector of J&K, where essential drugs list for various levels of health facilities is in a fluid state and termed as an “evolving list”. The ICMR list may also help government weed out unnecessary equipment from proposals being currently considered for approval by state governments. The list does not include tests for tertiary care hospitals but there is an extensive coverage of basic tests that can be performed at primary health center level and by village health workers. These include blood sugar monitoring, blood sugar for diabetes, urine albumin for kidney disease and others.
ICMR lists essential diagnostics list for healthcare facilities
