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Haryana's New HIV Lab in Panchkula to Speed Up Testing, Cut Costs

The Haryana Health Department has approved a new HIV viral load testing laboratory at Panchkula's Civil Hospital. The facility, funded by the National AIDS Control Organisation, will utilize existing Covid-19 testing infrastructure to become operational quickly. It is expected to handle approximately 15,000 tests per year at a set cost of ₹1,100 per test. This will reduce testing turnaround times and improve monitoring for HIV-positive patients across the state.

Key Points: Haryana Approves New HIV Viral Load Lab in Panchkula

  • Second dedicated HIV lab in Haryana
  • Funded entirely by NACO
  • Uses existing Covid-19 infrastructure
  • Aims for 15,000 tests annually
  • Cost set at ₹1,100 per test
2 min read

Haryana to have HIV viral load testing laboratory in Panchkula

Haryana establishes a second HIV viral load lab in Panchkula, funded by NACO, to speed up testing and improve patient monitoring at no cost to the state.

"This makes the initiative both fiscally prudent and replicable -- a model that other states could adopt. - Sumita Misra"

Chandigarh, March 26

The Haryana Health Department has approved the establishment of an HIV viral load testing laboratory at Civil Hospital in Panchkula, near here.

With this, Haryana will have its second dedicated facility, the first being located in Rohtak.

The was informed by Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare, Sumita Misra, who said the laboratory has been approved at an annual cost of Rs 1.65 crore, based on an estimated workload of approximately 15,000 HIV viral load tests per year.

In a cost-efficient move, the new laboratory will be set up by utilising the existing Covid-19 molecular testing infrastructure already in place at the Civil Hospital along with the procurement of additional equipment specific to HIV viral load testing.

This approach ensures that the facility can be made operational quickly, without the need for constructing an entirely new setup.

The project was developed on the basis of inputs provided by the Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS), while the technical evaluation was independently conducted by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) -- the apex body governing HIV/AIDS response in the country.

The cost per HIV viral load test has been set at Rs 1,100, in line with national guidelines.

Notably, the entire expenditure for setting up and operating the testing facility will be funded by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), with no financial liability falling on the state government.

This makes the initiative both fiscally prudent and replicable -- a model that other states could adopt to expand HIV diagnostic capacity without straining their own budgets, Misra added.

For HIV-positive individuals, regular viral load testing is not optional -- it is essential. These tests help doctors determine whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) is working effectively, detect treatment failure early, and prevent the virus from developing drug resistance. Without timely access to viral load testing, patients face delayed interventions and poorer health outcomes.

Currently, samples from all districts of Haryana are sent to PGIMS Rohtak. This new laboratory will significantly decrease time for testing and will result in better monitoring of HIV positive patients.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good news, but my question is about accessibility. Will the Rs 1,100 test be free for patients under government schemes? The article says NACO is funding the lab, but what about the cost to the person getting tested? Clarity is needed.
A
Aman W
As someone from Ambala, this is a relief. Sending samples to Rohtak always caused delays. A lab in Panchkula will cut down turnaround time drastically. Kudos to HSACS and NACO for pushing this through. More such decentralized labs are needed across India.
S
Sarah B
The fiscal prudence here is impressive. Leveraging post-pandemic infrastructure for long-term public health goals is exactly the kind of forward thinking we need. This model should definitely be replicated in other states.
V
Vikram M
While the initiative is good, I hope equal focus is given to reducing stigma and ensuring people actually come forward for testing and treatment. A lab is useless if fear prevents people from using it. Awareness campaigns must run parallel.
K
Karthik V
Excellent move! Timely viral load testing is critical for effective ART management. This will improve health outcomes for so many. Hope they also ensure adequate trained staff and maintain quality control. Jai Hind!

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