Delhiites can now get free diagnostic tests

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Thursday rolled out a new scheme that would enable residents get free diagnostic tests and surgeries in hospitals.

Under the scheme, all residents of Delhi will get free diagnostic tests in 21 private institutions if they are referred to by Delhi government hospitals.

The announcement was made in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain that another scheme would be rolled out in a week under which surgeries could also be done in private hospitals for free.

The announcement was made in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at an event here.

Earlier in December, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had announced the free diagnostic tests for those residing in Delhi for the past three years and whose annual family income was under Rs 3 lakh. However, both these conditions have been now scrapped, Jain said.

The minister said Delhi residents, if referred to by Delhi government hospitals, can get their diagnostic tests including MRI and CT Scan done for free in 21 private centres.

Similarly, if the waiting for surgeries in Delhi government hospitals exceeded a month, these too can be carried out in 41 hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) and registered with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

The scheme entitles Delhi government to reimburse these hospitals and centres for the tests and surgeries of the patients.

(With IANS inputs)