In May 2018 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the first ever Essential Diagnostics List (EDL) (Watch short summary here)
Within half a year, WHO's EDL got some real traction. India has just released its draft National EDL for public consultation.
Along WHO's lines the Indian draft list was also developed to reflect the diagnostic needs of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare tiers and to take into account the country’s disease burden. (Malaria, dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis, brucellosis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis were given priority focus in the NEDL)
This policy initiative aims to enhance accessibility to approximately 160 diagnostic tests and to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.
What is going to be the next country following WHO's and India's example?
Sources:
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/draft-of-essential-diagnostics-list-out-for-public-comments-119010400860_1.html
http://www.pharmabiz.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?aid=113240&sid=3
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