by Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Background of the Decision
- Details of the New Rates
- Impact on Patients and Healthcare Access
- Implementation and Challenges
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
The Sindh government has officially announced revised and significantly reduced rates for key diagnostic tests including Dengue, Malaria, and Complete Blood Count (CBC). The decision, introduced through the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), aims to make essential medical testing affordable and accessible to the general public amid rising cases of mosquito-borne diseases.
This move comes at a time when the province, especially Karachi and Hyderabad, has been struggling with increasing numbers of dengue and malaria patients during and after the monsoon season. The government’s intervention to regulate testing costs is seen as a crucial step to ensure fair pricing, timely diagnosis, and better disease control.
2. Background of the Decision
In recent months, Sindh has reported a notable surge in dengue and malaria infections. Public hospitals have seen crowded outpatient departments, while private healthcare centers have experienced growing demand for diagnostic tests. However, the high cost of these tests has made early detection difficult for thousands of low-income families.
Before the new notification, private laboratories were charging anywhere between Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 for dengue and malaria tests. For many citizens, this meant delaying or avoiding testing altogether — increasing the risk of community transmission.
To address these concerns, the Sindh Healthcare Commission reviewed testing costs across public and private laboratories. The result was a new policy establishing fixed maximum prices for specific diagnostic tests. The SHCC emphasized that these rates were set after consulting healthcare experts, laboratory associations, and hospital administrators to balance affordability with operational feasibility.
3. Details of the New Rates
The SHCC issued new fixed rates effective from October 21, 2025, applicable across all registered laboratories in Sindh. These rates will remain valid until December 31, 2025.
Revised Fixed Rates
| Test Name | Old Average Rate (PKR) | New Fixed Rate (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Malaria ICT Test | 3,000 | 600 |
| Dengue NS1 (ICT/ELISA) | 4,500 | 1,100 |
| Dengue IgM/Combo Test | 4,000 | 1,500 |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Peripheral Smear | 1,200 | 500 |
These reductions represent a massive price drop — in some cases up to 80%. The intent is to eliminate the disparity between what laboratories charge and what ordinary citizens can afford.
All laboratories, diagnostic centers, and hospitals in Sindh are now required to follow these maximum rates. The SHCC has also stated that any lab found charging beyond the fixed prices will face penalties, including suspension of its license.
For official notifications and updates on healthcare regulations, visit the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) official website
4. Impact on Patients and Healthcare Access
Affordable Testing for All
The revised test rates are expected to make diagnostic services far more accessible for citizens from lower- and middle-income households. Affordable testing encourages people to seek medical help early, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose and treat infections before complications arise.
Encouragement for Early Diagnosis
When testing costs are high, many individuals delay getting checked, often mistaking initial dengue or malaria symptoms for seasonal fever. The reduced prices will likely motivate people to undergo timely testing, leading to quicker treatment and a lower risk of severe illness.
Public Health Benefits
From a broader perspective, the new rates will aid in faster outbreak monitoring. When testing becomes affordable, more cases can be identified and reported, enabling authorities to take preventive measures such as fumigation, awareness campaigns, and community health interventions.
Financial Relief for Families
Healthcare expenses can be financially devastating for daily wage earners. Reducing test prices by thousands of rupees will not only make healthcare more affordable but also reduce the burden of medical debt among low-income groups.
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Promotion of Preventive Healthcare
Affordable diagnostics encourage a culture of preventive healthcare, where individuals are more likely to get regular check-ups. This shift can significantly improve the overall health outcomes of the population and reduce the long-term cost burden on the healthcare system.
5. Implementation and Challenges
Monitoring Compliance
The SHCC has announced strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new pricing structure. Teams will conduct regular inspections across laboratories and diagnostic centers to verify that the new rates are being implemented.
Response from Private Laboratories
Major laboratory chains and hospitals in Sindh have reportedly expressed their readiness to adopt the new rates. However, smaller independent labs may face difficulties adjusting to reduced prices while maintaining quality standards and covering operational costs.
Quality Assurance
One key challenge is maintaining the quality of testing while reducing costs. Authorities have emphasized that lowering prices must not compromise the accuracy of test results. The SHCC plans to ensure that all registered labs use approved testing kits and follow proper procedures.
Temporary Policy
The new pricing policy is currently valid until the end of 2025. The provincial government will review its impact before deciding on an extension or permanent adoption. The evaluation will include data on patient testing volumes, compliance rates, and the overall effect on disease surveillance.
Increased Demand and Resource Strain
As testing becomes more affordable, laboratories may face higher testing volumes, leading to operational strain. To address this, the government has encouraged labs to expand capacity and ensure that testing kits and equipment remain adequately stocked throughout the dengue and malaria season.
6. Conclusion
The decision by the Sindh Healthcare Commission to fix new, lower rates for Dengue, Malaria, and CBC tests marks a major step forward in the province’s healthcare reform efforts. This initiative directly benefits the public by ensuring affordable, equitable access to essential diagnostics.
By addressing the financial barriers to testing, the government has paved the way for better disease control, faster diagnosis, and improved patient outcomes. If successfully implemented, the policy will not only help manage the current dengue and malaria outbreaks but also set a benchmark for future healthcare pricing reforms across Pakistan.
Ultimately, this move represents more than just a reduction in prices — it’s a commitment to public welfare, health equity, and proactive disease prevention. Ensuring consistent enforcement, maintaining quality standards, and extending the policy beyond December 2025 will be key to sustaining its positive impact.
