The Haryana Health Department has given the green light for the establishment of an HIV viral load testing laboratory at Civil Hospital in Panchkula, near Chandigarh. This will be the state’s second dedicated facility, with the first one located in Rohtak. The laboratory, approved at an annual cost of Rs 1.65 crore, is expected to conduct around 15,000 HIV viral load tests per year.
In a cost-effective strategy, the new lab will leverage the existing Covid-19 molecular testing infrastructure at the Civil Hospital, supplemented by additional equipment tailored for HIV viral load testing. By adopting this approach, the facility can be operational swiftly without the need for constructing a new setup from scratch.
The project, based on inputs from the Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS), underwent technical evaluation by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the apex body overseeing HIV/AIDS response in India. The cost per HIV viral load test is set at Rs 1,100, aligning with national guidelines.
The entire funding for setting up and running the testing facility will be covered by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), relieving the state government of any financial burden. This financial model not only demonstrates fiscal prudence but also offers a replicable template for other states to enhance HIV diagnostic capabilities without straining their budgets, as highlighted by Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare).
For individuals living with HIV, regular viral load testing is crucial for effective treatment. These tests play a vital role in assessing the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), detecting treatment failures early, and preventing the development of drug resistance. Timely access to viral load testing is essential to ensure prompt interventions and better health outcomes for patients.
The establishment of this new laboratory in Panchkula will significantly reduce testing times and improve the monitoring of HIV-positive patients across all districts of Haryana, reducing the burden on PGIMS Rohtak where samples were previously sent for testing.
