According to an official release, the initiative aims to optimise available resources and strengthen coordination between national health programmes. The proposed arrangement will use existing Truenat molecular testing platforms to conduct viral load tests for patients who screen positive for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
The broader screening plan also includes portable X-ray facilities, with particular attention to women, especially pregnant women, to facilitate the timely identification of health conditions requiring further investigation.
Delhi currently has 85 Truenat platforms under NTEP. Under the initial plan, one platform per district will be earmarked for Hepatitis B and C viral load testing, subject to the concurrence of the State Programme Officer, NTEP.
The initiative is expected to help address gaps in testing and support the objectives of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), the release said.
Emphasising the importance of strengthening diagnostic capacity, Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “By integrating the resources available under different national health programmes, we can expand the effective use of our existing infrastructure and strengthen access to essential diagnostic services. Our emphasis is on ensuring that available testing facilities are utilised efficiently, while improving the scope for timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention, particularly for vulnerable groups.”
To support the initiative, a demand for 2,500 Truenat chips each for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C has been submitted to the Central Programme Division for the financial year 2026–27.
The NVHCP Central Unit has indicated that the required chips will be procured centrally by the Central Government to help address gaps in viral load testing and support programme targets.
The plan also includes training and incentivising technicians to conduct the tests. Depending on workload and operational requirements, existing molecular testing machines may be used after regular working hours or on holidays to maximise infrastructure utilisation and expand testing capacity, the release said.
Through the proposed integration of testing facilities, the Delhi Government aims to strengthen diagnostic services, improve access to viral load testing and facilitate the timely identification and management of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C cases.
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