National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)

Why in news?

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has started the process of revising the current National Essential Diagnostic List for the first time since its inception in 2019.

What is the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)?

Published by: ICMR

In 2018, WHO has recommended the development and implementation of NEDL to facilitate the availability of diagnostics across various tiers of healthcare pyramid. India was one of the first country to implement this and released its first NEDL in 2019.

NEDL lists the essential and most basic tests that should be available at various levels of healthcare facilities in a country.

These facilities include primary health centers, health and wellness centers, sub-health centers, and the village level.

Basis for inclusion of tests: Tests are listed after a careful consideration of the disease burden data across different states of India. List is aligned with National programs and adhere to Indian public health standards.

What is included in the National Essential Diagnostics list?

The list contains 117 general laboratory tests for diagnosis of a broad range of common conditions that include both communicable and non-communicable disease.

Why did India develop an Essential Diagnostic List?

India has had a national list of essential medicines for more than 20 years. However, there was not much emphasis on diagnosis, leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.

Thus, the recent revision may lead to increased demand, improved patient outcomes, and reduction in out-of-pocket expenses on diagnostics.

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM): India developed its first NLEM in 1996.  The NLEM plays an important role in ensuring accessibility of affordable, quality medicines at all levels of healthcare.