BANGALORE: At a time when medical expenses have shot up, Thyroid Stimulating Harmone Test (TSH), henceforth might cost not more than `35. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) plans to introduce treatment for non-communable diseases like diabetics, hyper tension and thyroid at minimal prices in its hospitals. With this, patients from BPL category can afford medical treatment at affordable rates, as against expensive treatment offered by private hospitals. Palike currently runs only maternity hospitals and primary health centres.At the initial stage, Palike plans to set up TSH test units at two of its hospitals. However, this service will be linked with all the 24 maternity hospitals under BBMP’s authority. Though TSH units are available only at two hospitals, blood samples of patients will also be collected at other Palike hospitals and sent for test to these units.According to Geetha Shashikumar, BBMP’s standing committee chairperson (Health), Abbott, a global healthcare company has come forward to provide two TSH test machines, each worth Rs 40 lakh. This equipment is capable of testing 100 cases in one hour.“We are yet to decide the utilisation period. The service may be adopted on lease for one year,” she said.She further said that Palike will sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abbott.“We are planning to charge Rs 35 per TSH test. Otherwise, it costs around Rs 250 per person at private hospital. Our idea is to reach poor people,” she said.The Palike is also planning to set up complete diabetic care centres. This facility will be available in only two hospitals. Apart from detecting diabetics, the centre will provide service for complete diabetic related ailments.“We want to start services by January,” Geetha Shashikumar said.
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