Officials say the proposed central laboratory at Victoria Hospital will help bridge this gap by providing access to advanced testing within the public health care system. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
In an effort to improve access to advanced diagnostic services in government hospitals, the Ministry of Health has proposed to set up a centralized central laboratory at Victoria Hospital under the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).
The initiative is aimed at providing cutting-edge diagnostic tests that are currently unavailable in many government hospitals, forcing patients to depend on private laboratories and hospitals.
Officials said the proposed central laboratory at Victoria Hospital would help bridge that gap by providing access to advanced testing within the public health care system. Hospitals have been invited to submit the required proposals for setting up the facility through a government order issued in this regard on April 1.
Expansion of laboratory services
The department seeks to expand diagnostic services in hospitals run by the Ministry of Health by optimizing the existing laboratory infrastructure.
Currently, diagnostic services are provided to outpatients at CGHS rates through HIND Labs run by HLL Lifecare Limited at KC General Hospital.
The government now plans to extend a similar model to Sir CV Raman General Hospital and Jayanagar General Hospital and has asked these hospitals for proposals.
In addition, instructions have been issued to utilize the capacity of government laboratories more effectively by offering services to patients admitted to the hospital, including Above Poverty Line (APL) patients, at prescribed rates.
Home sample collection
To improve access to vulnerable groups, the department proposed home sampling for elderly, critically and chronically ill patients who cannot attend hospitals regularly.
Under this system, trained phlebotomists will visit patients’ homes to collect samples. The service will be provided through HIND Labs to HLL Lifecare Limited at CGHS rates, with additional shipping charges.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 21:32 IST
