Firm not interested, lab tests may take a hit at aam aadmi clinics in Punjab

Chandigarh: Diagnostic services in 100 aam aadmi clinics (AAC) of Punjab government are likely to take a hit as a private firm engaged by the Punjab government on a temporary basis has stopped rendering its services. The firm was providing laboratory diagnostic services at the 100 clinics launched in the first batch and few other health facilities since August 15.

In total, there are 500 such clinics. The firm on February 16 informed the health department that services at these clinics and other facilities will be stopped from March 1. The government claims to be providing a wide range of medicines and 41 different tests for free in AACs.

Though the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) is trying to persuade the private firm to continue providing services till an alternative is not found, director (health services), vide a letter on March 1, has been asked to direct all civil surgeons to collect samples from AACs and get them processed at the nearest government laboratories till alternative arrangements are not made.

According to sources, the lab was asked by the government to provide services on temporary basis and they recently informed that they will not be continuing their services citing financial losses.

PHSC managing director Pardeep Aggarwal said they were in the process of hiring a new firm that would provide services to all AACs and the tender for the same had been sent for approval.“Till the time a new firm is not hired, samples willbe examined at government laboratories,” said Aggarwal.