Accelerating Diagnostic Access in India through Point-of-Care Testing Technologies

Amitabh Chauhan^*
*Correspondence: Amitabh Chauhan, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India, Email:

Introduction

Indiaâ??s healthcare system is characterized by a vast and diverse population with significant disparities in healthcare access, especially between urban and rural areas. One of the most critical barriers to equitable care is the lack of timely diagnostic services in remote and resource-constrained settings. Conventional diagnostic models rely heavily on centralized laboratories that require skilled personnel, complex logistics and extended turnaround times, often delaying treatment initiation. In this context, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) has emerged as a transformative solution capable of delivering rapid, accurate and decentralized diagnostic services at or near the site of patient care. POCT devices ranging from glucometers and pregnancy kits to advanced molecular tests are designed for ease of use, portability and quick results, thus enabling earlier clinical decisions. The relevance of POCT was further amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, where widespread, decentralized testing became essential for containment and management. As India continues to address its diagnostic challenges, the adoption and expansion of POCT technologies present a promising pathway toward universal and timely diagnostic access [1].

Description

Point-of-care testing technologies have the potential to revolutionize India's diagnostic landscape by minimizing dependence on centralized infrastructure. Devices such as lateral flow immunoassays, handheld PCR platforms and biosensor-integrated systems can be deployed in primary healthcare centers, mobile clinics and even individual households. This is particularly impactful in rural regions where laboratory networks are limited or absent. POCT enables early detection of diseases like diabetes, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and more recently, COVID-19, thereby facilitating prompt clinical intervention and reducing disease transmission. The portability and user-friendly nature of these devices reduce the need for specialized training, making them accessible to frontline health workers such as ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives). Furthermore, integration of POCT with digital health platforms and mobile connectivity enables real-time data transmission, remote monitoring and epidemiological tracking, which are vital for public health surveillance. Despite these advantages, adoption has been uneven due to regulatory bottlenecks, high device costs and limited public sector procurement policies. Nonetheless, ongoing innovations and partnerships between the government, private sector and international donors have begun to close these gaps, bringing scalable solutions closer to implementation.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major catalyst in accelerating the deployment of POCT devices across India. The urgent need for rapid, decentralized testing led to regulatory fast-tracking of diagnostic kits, increased funding for indigenous R&D and public-private collaborations for mass production. Rapid antigen tests and point-of-care RT-PCR kits were used extensively for screening at airports, clinics and community centers, reducing burden on centralized labs and speeding up case identification. These experiences highlighted both the feasibility and the critical role of POCT in managing public health emergencies. Additionally, innovations in sensor technologies, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip platforms are now driving the development of next-generation POCT systems with higher sensitivity, multiplex capabilities and reduced cost. These advancements are poised to make POCT not just a temporary pandemic solution but a permanent fixture in Indiaâ??s diagnostic framework, especially for tackling endemic diseases and monitoring chronic conditions [2].

Conclusion

Point-of-care testing technologies represent a pivotal advancement in the quest for equitable, timely and decentralized healthcare in India. By reducing diagnostic delays and expanding access to underserved populations, POCT plays a crucial role in strengthening primary healthcare delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored its value, fast-tracking innovation and adoption across multiple levels of the healthcare system. Moving forward, sustained investment in infrastructure, local manufacturing, quality regulation and workforce training will be essential to ensure that POCT continues to support Indiaâ??s journey toward universal health coverage and effective disease management.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Luppa Peter B, Carolin Müller, Alice Schlichtiger and Harald Schlebusch. "Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT): Current techniques and future perspectives." TrAC Trends Anal Chem 30 (2011): 887-898.

Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at

2. Konwar Aditya Narayan and Vivek Borse. "Current status of point-of-care diagnostic devices in the Indian healthcare system with an update on COVID-19 pandemic." Sens Int 1 (2020): 100015.

Google Scholar Cross Ref Indexed at