Siemens Healthineers Enables India’s Largest Cancer Institute with Fully Automated Laboratory Solutions
On February 12, 2019, Mr. Narendra Modi, Honourable Prime Minister of India, inaugurated AIIMS, New Delhi's National Cancer Institute (NCI), Jhajjar, Haryana wherein India's first fully Robotic Core Clinical Laboratory has been commissioned. The NCI is regarded as one of the largest public health investment project in India; intended to reduce the deficit of tertiary cancer care in the northern region and will also take care of preventive and curative aspects of the disease. The 710-bed NCI, is comprised of an OPD serving free medicines along with the diagnostics block comprising of laboratory space for microbiology, central instrumentation facility, haemato-pathology, histo-pathology, cytopathology, tumor immunology and an advanced diagnostics centre.
Laboratories today need to be prepared for a workforce shortage and increased testing workload and cost pressures. The clinical core laboratory at NCI is a revolutionary initiative built to anticipate the rising challenges in the industry, and is creating a prototype for the next generation of hospitals in India.
The Robotic Core Clinical Laboratory at NCI is built over 4,500 square feet and represents India’s first Robotic Core Clinical Laboratory in the government set up. The laboratory is powered by Siemens Healthineers and includes laboratory automation and IT solutions. It is the laboratory automation and digitalization solutions that will together contribute in optimizing and standardizing the workflow processes at the NCI.
The laboratory automation solution supports an end-to-end sample processing workflow, from loading various sample tubes to the analyzers, to storage and disposal of the samples with minimal manual intervention needed. This results in reduced error rates as verified results are reported. Digitalization of clinical laboratories with intelligent software enables better management of testing processes by simplifying autoverification, inventory management, automated QC and calibration.
“With an intensive investment in the latest laboratory technology and infrastructure, the National Cancer Institute envisions to set the benchmark in translational research and patient care in the country. Improved turn-around time, enhanced quality, reduced biohazard risks with minimal sample extraction coupled with cost-effective processes and diagnostic accuracy will help us serve the needs of the community better,” said Prof G.K Rath, Centre Head, National Cancer Institute, India.
“The fully automated and digitalized laboratory solutions at the prestigious AIIMS -NCI are designed to make workflow more efficient and flexible; ensuring test results arrive in the shortest possible time for quick therapeutic decision making. It improves test turnaround times and the laboratory’s operational effeciency. We are proud to be associated with NCI and improve patient experience.” said Arpan Malhotra, Head of Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers, India.
In the age of value-based care, laboratory automation and digitalization are emerging as the hidden jewels in the healthcare system. Siemens Healthineers provides comprehensive digital solutions for the healthcare system in India.
