Diagnostics: A Priority For The Bottom Of The Pyramid

There are multiple pyramids in healthcare and the largest challenge is bringing them to those at the bottom of the pyramids. Diagnostics, in particular, can be a tricky area as it involves much more capital investment and therefore costs. Some tests can cost less than one rupee while others can exceed thousands just for the material. These tests are essential to providing healthcare across the board and can often be the divider between prevention and cure.  

Dr A Velumani, Creator, Thyrocare states, “We have successfully vaccinated over 1.5 billion people in less than a year, which shows that if there is the will of the government - even with a big population across vast geography with logistics challenges - things can be done. It does not have to happen all the way down in the pyramid, but if we go down slice by slice, we will reach everyone in the long run.” 

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Dr Velumani also discusses the barriers in healthcare, specifically in the area of diagnostics. Most districts, especially ones with lower populations lack access, however, access is just the first step. People perceive healthcare as optional or even a luxury, especially with the high prices attached to testing. Therefore even with access, healthcare is not consumed by all and is a matter that must be addressed with urgency. 

Vasudha Mukherjee

BW Reporters The author works with BW Education