Gurugram admin launches first-ever govt histopathology lab

In an effort to facilitate early detection of cancer and reduce mortality among the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) population, the Gurugram administration has inaugurated its first-ever government histopathology lab in the city. The lab, a significant milestone in affordable healthcare, was unveiled alongside a Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the Civil Hospital by Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav.

Early detection key in cancer cases
Early detection is key in cases of cancer. A majority of patients, especially women, tend to ignore lumps or symptoms and skip biopsies. The lab will ensure that every suspected case coming to the Civil Hospital undergoes testing.— Dr Virender Yadav, CMO

Jan Aushadhi Kendra also inaugurated

• The lab, a significant milestone in affordable healthcare, was unveiled at the Civil Hospital
• The DC also inaugurated the district’s first Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the hospital
• This centre aims to make generic medicines available to the public at 50% to 90% lower prices

This development is crucial for the city’s residents as they will no longer need to rely on private centres or travel outside the district for biopsies, the preliminary tests for cancer detection. Despite Gurugram’s reputation as a global medical hub with state-of-the-art five-star hospitals, the city has faced a notable gap in affordable healthcare, particularly for diseases like cancer.

“Serious and necessary efforts are underway to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in the district and provide quality health services. The establishment of a histopathology lab for cancer testing at the Civil Hospital is a crucial component of these initiatives. Previously, patients had to rely on private laboratories for histopathology services, imposing a significant financial burden on them. With the opening of this lab, patients in Gurugram district will no longer need to travel outside the district for cancer screening,” stated Yadav.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Virender Yadav, speaking to The Tribune, emphasised that due to the unavailability of affordable diagnostic services, many people neglect precautionary tests, leading to late-stage cancer detection. “Early detection is key in cases of cancer. A majority of patients, especially women, tend to ignore lumps or symptoms and skip biopsies. The lab will ensure that every suspected case coming to the Civil Hospital undergoes testing,” he explained.

The Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated the district’s first government Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the Civil Hospital. This centre aims to make generic medicines available to the public at 50 to 90 per cent lower prices. He said a cough syrup, which is available in the market for around Rs 90, will be available at the centre under the name Jan Aushadhi Syrup for Rs 18.

Similarly, a Vitamin D sachet that costs around Rs 25 in the market will be available here for only Rs 9. Currently, 94 salt medicines are available in the kendra. In the future, the variety of medicines available at the Jan Aushadhi Kendra will be expanded to meet the needs and demands of the patients. The Tribune