Haryana Greenlights Second HIV Viral Load Testing Laboratory in Panchkula
In a significant move to enhance healthcare services, the state of Haryana has officially approved the establishment of its second HIV viral load testing laboratory. This new facility will be located at Civil Hospital in Panchkula, marking a pivotal step forward in improving access to timely diagnosis and monitoring for individuals living with HIV across the region.
Key Details and Financial Approval
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sumita Misra confirmed that the project has been cleared with an annual operational cost of ₹1.65 crore. The laboratory is projected to have the capacity to conduct approximately 15,000 HIV viral load tests each year, significantly bolstering the state's testing infrastructure.
Addressing Current Testing Challenges
Currently, Haryana relies solely on the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak for all HIV viral load testing. This single-point system has led to delays in processing samples from across the state. Officials emphasize that the new Panchkula facility will drastically reduce the turnaround time for test results, enabling more efficient monitoring of patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Infrastructure and Implementation Strategy
The laboratory will be established by leveraging the existing Covid-19 molecular testing infrastructure already available at Civil Hospital, Panchkula. This approach involves integrating additional specialized equipment required for HIV viral load testing, optimizing resources and accelerating the setup process.
Collaborative Development and Funding
The project was developed based on inputs from the Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS), with technical evaluation conducted by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). In alignment with national guidelines, the cost per HIV viral load test has been fixed at ₹1,100. Importantly, NACO will bear the entire expenditure for both setting up and operating the facility, ensuring no financial burden on the state.
Impact on HIV/AIDS Response
Sumita Misra highlighted that this new laboratory will strengthen Haryana's overall HIV/AIDS response by providing quicker and more accessible testing services. Patients who require regular viral load monitoring as part of their treatment regimen will benefit from improved healthcare outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
This initiative reflects Haryana's commitment to advancing public health infrastructure and addressing critical healthcare needs, particularly in the realm of infectious disease management and patient care.
