The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the second edition of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) in July 2025. This update aims to improve India’s health system and give people easier access to important tests, from small village clinics to big hospitals. The list was created with help from the National Health Systems Resource Centre.
What is NEDL 2025?
The NEDL 2025 is a guide that says which tests should be available at each level of public healthcare in India.
- 6 tests at village health facilities
- 15 at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (earlier called sub‑centres)
- 69 at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (PHCs)
- 97 at Community Health Centres (CHCs)
- 165 at Sub‑District and District Hospitals
The list covers tests for infections, non‑communicable diseases, and also includes new rapid and molecular tests. It explains what equipment and samples are needed and when to do confirmatory tests.
Why was it needed?
India already had a list of essential medicines but not for diagnostics. This caused delays, wrong diagnoses, and high costs, especially in rural areas. The first NEDL came out in 2019, making India one of the first developing countries to create such a list.
How was it made?
ICMR worked with doctors, scientists, policymakers and civil groups. They discussed India’s needs, from big cities to small villages, before finalising the list.
What’s new in 2025?
- More tests added at all levels.
- Sub‑centres are now called Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with updated services.
- Greater focus on point‑of‑care tests (quick tests done on the spot).
- PHCs can now do more tests themselves instead of sending patients elsewhere.
Impact on India
The NEDL is more than just a list. It supports national standards, free diagnostic services, and new public‑private partnerships. India now spends over $175 million every year on free diagnostics, helping reduce costs for patients and improve care across the country.
Challenges faced
- Health facilities in rural areas often lack staff and equipment.
- Training for lab workers is not enough in some places.
- Rules for new diagnostic tests are still catching up.
- Getting machines and supplies to remote areas is hard.
- Some people avoid tests because of stigma or lack of awareness.
The new NEDL is a step toward better and fairer healthcare. By making important tests available everywhere, India is working to give every person, in every part of the country, the right to reliable and timely diagnosis.
