Economic Survey 2018 hints at price regulation for diagnostic tests

Survey indicates the move after government puts price cap on devices

The Economic Survey 2017-18 has called for an urgent standardisation of rates of diagnostic tests, pointing to the delay in the implementation of Clinical Establishments Act in the country. 

“An analysis of prices of diagnostic tests across various cities in India reveals that there are not only wide differences in average prices of diagnostic tests but the range in prices is also substantial. The data on quality and accreditation of diagnostic establishments in the country is scanty. There is a need to prioritise standardisation of rates by devising appropriate quality assurance framework and regulatory mechanism,” the survey has said.