Strengthening Diagnostics in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
India’s smaller cities have long struggled with healthcare accessibility, particularly in diagnostics. Insufficient infrastructure, a lack of skilled professionals, and low awareness of preventive healthcare have led to delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment. However, the landscape is evolving with technological advancements, government policies, and increased private sector involvement. Despite progress, challenges remain, necessitating a comprehensive strategy to ensure quality diagnostic services reach every corner of the country.
Dr. Maithili Kavathekar, Director-Lab Services at Sahyadri Hospitals, observes, “Diagnostics in smaller cities are witnessing a transformation. The growing emphasis on technology and preventive care is driving healthcare improvements, bringing these cities closer to metro-level services.”
The Current State of Diagnostics Infrastructure
Historically, tier 2 and tier 3 cities have relied on local pathology labs and primary healthcare centers with limited diagnostic capabilities. Advanced equipment like MRI and CT scanners are often unavailable, compelling patients to travel to metro cities for crucial tests.
Surendran Chemmenkotil, CEO of Metropolis Healthcare, highlights that India’s diagnostics industry, valued at around $13 billion in FY23, is highly fragmented. While standalone labs and private hospitals dominate the market, national chains have a relatively small presence. This fragmentation results in inconsistent quality standards and restricted access to specialized diagnostics. The increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the demand for preventive testing are accelerating the need for better diagnostic infrastructure. While several diagnostic chains are expanding, the reach remains inadequate, and the high costs associated with setting up advanced centers continue to hinder widespread availability.
Professor Vijay Chandru, Co-Founder and Director of Strand Life Sciences and CrisprBits, further adds, “Many tier 2 and tier 3 cities depend on outdated diagnostic infrastructure, making advanced molecular testing, essential for genetic and cancer diagnostics, inaccessible or unaffordable.” This lack of facilities contributes to delayed diagnoses and worsens health outcomes.
Leveraging Technology for Better Accessibility
To overcome geographical limitations, technology-driven solutions like tele-diagnostics are gaining traction. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology are transforming diagnostics by enabling remote sample analysis, ensuring faster results with greater accuracy.
Despite these advancements, the health IT landscape in smaller cities remains underdeveloped. While metro cities benefit from digital healthcare solutions, tier 2 and tier 3 cities still lack robust IT infrastructure. Strengthening digital connectivity and expanding technology-driven diagnostics will be critical in bridging the healthcare divide and ensuring timely medical interventions across India’s underserved regions.
