Free diagnostic centre set to open in Asifabad

Facility to conduct over 50 tests relating to various chronic diseases

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Quality healthcare facilities and diagnosis services continued to evade the district, causing inconvenience to the public and forcing them to rely on neighbouring Adilabad and Mancherial districts. However, the first-of-its-kind free diagnostic centre is all set to be inaugurated in Asifabad on June 9.

Telangana government decided to open diagnostic centres in 19 district headquarters hospitals to reduce financial burden on patients. Over 50 tests relating to various chronic diseases will be held for free. The medical investigations include blood and urine analysis, tests to determine diabetes and hypertension, diseases of liver, kidney, thyroid, lungs, and even cancer, for free of cost.

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Established on the premises of the district headquarters hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 36 lakh, the facility is going to be a boon for the needy and aboriginal tribals belonging to the district. Authorities of Medical and Health Department have successfully carried out a dry run for 45 days. A total of 2,158 persons availed services at the centre.

District Health and Medical Officer Dr Komram Balu told Telangana Today that samples of blood, urine and others collected from patients at 20 primary health centres, 114 sub-centres and district headquarters hospital would be examined for free. The specimen must have references of doctors concerned. About 1,000 investigations could be done here per hour, he stated.

The centre, which will run round the clock, has 10 lab technicians, a data entry operator, manager and nodal officer. Three vehicles have been arranged for collecting samples from health centres. Results of the investigations will be uploaded on the internet. Patients can get printouts of the reports by visiting nearby health centres for free.

Dr Satyanarayana, nodal officer of the centre, said that proposals were sent to create another centre meant for carrying out CT and ultrasound scanning for the convenience of pregnant women. A piece of land measuring 3,000 square yards located behind the diagnostic centre was selected for constructing the facility, he informed.