The clinical laboratory at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Bengaluru has been awarded ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for its biochemistry and haematology services, marking a significant milestone in ensuring high-quality diagnostic care. The development was announced by the Ministry of Ayush.
With this achievement, CARI becomes the first institute under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to receive this internationally recognised accreditation. The certification assures patients of accurate, reliable, and safe diagnostic results aligned with global quality standards.
According to the ministry, the accreditation reflects the laboratory’s evolution from an entry-level NABL-certified facility into a fully developed centre of excellence. Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlighted that adherence to global standards like ISO 15189:2022 plays a crucial role in delivering precise diagnostics, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha described the dual recognition in biochemistry and haematology as a major step towards integrating advanced diagnostics with traditional medicine systems, reinforcing the focus on evidence-based care and patient-centric services.
Director General of CCRAS, Rabinarayan Acharya, noted that the accreditation enhances scientific rigour in Ayurveda research and innovation. CARI Head Sulochana Bhat credited the achievement to the dedicated efforts of the institute’s team, particularly Dr Vidyashree Anchan.
The laboratory currently holds NABL accreditation for 50 diagnostic parameters across biochemistry and haematology. It provides a wide array of tests, including blood glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney function tests, lipid and thyroid profiles, electrolyte analysis, and complete blood counts, enabling comprehensive evaluation of metabolic and blood-related conditions.
In the 2025–26 period, the lab conducted more than 1.52 lakh tests, catering to over 9,300 patients. With advanced equipment and digital reporting systems, patients benefit from faster results and easy access through SMS, email, and WhatsApp.
The institute has also witnessed a sharp rise in patient footfall, with OPD visits increasing from 18,918 in 2021 to over 51,300 in 2026. Diagnostic testing volumes have surged from 2,770 in 2021 to more than 1.55 lakh in 2026, indicating a substantial boost in capacity.
Additionally, Panchakarma and para-surgical procedures have expanded nearly twentyfold, while research activities have remained steady at around 25 projects annually. Since inpatient services were introduced in July 2024, bed occupancy has reached near full capacity.
Earlier, CARI Bengaluru became the first CCRAS institute to secure both NABH and NABL entry-level certifications during 2021-22 and is currently working towards BIS IS/ISO 9001:2015 certification.
