Delhiites can now undergo major tests like PET, CT scan, MRI, etc, free of charge in 21 private labs across the city, said Health Minister Satyendar Jain here on Saturday.
“Nowhere in the country are these tests conducted for free. Even in AIIMS, one has to pay anywhere between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 to get an MRI done,” said Mr. Jain while addressing the 22nd Foundation Day of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Rohini.
Agreement with labs
He added that patients referred either by the 30 Delhi government hospitals or the 23 State-run polyclinics in the city could avail these facilities. The Delhi government, meanwhile, has reached an agreement with the laboratories concerned.
The beneficiaries will be required to show income certificates and residential proof like Aadhaar cards, ration cards or driving licence to avail the facilities.
Announcement last year
In December last year, the AAP government had announced that patients undergoing treatment at 10 government hospitals, those with an annual family income of up to ₹3 lakh, and those living in the city for three years could undergo MRI and CT tests free of cost at seven private labs.
Mr. Jain also appreciated the efforts made by the forensic experts in bringing down pendency in all divisions, especially the DNA unit of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Rohini.
Madhulika Sharma, FSL director, announced setting up of 11 forensic mobile teams to gather samples from across 13 districts of Delhi.
Lack of experts
At present, there are two forensic mobile teams that cater to the 13 districts.
Due to the lack of experts, police teams collect samples from crime spots and hand them over to the FSL staff.
Ms. Sharma added that one more Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Bindapur (Dwarka), would become functional soon.
