Mumbai: The National Free Laboratory Diagnostic Services Programme in Maharashtra, Mahalabs, implemented by HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL) for the Government of Maharashtra, stands out as one of the most successful free laboratory diagnostic services programmes in India. Under the programme, patients receive a wide range of diagnostic services – from basic laboratory tests to advanced specialised investigations – free of cost across more than 3,500 public health facilities in Maharashtra, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment. More than 7.6 crore patients have benefited from the Mahalabs programme so far.
On average, over 45,000 patients avail themselves of free laboratory diagnostic services under the programme every day. Specialised tests offered under Mahalabs include histopathology, molecular biology (RT-PCR), microbiology, Hb electrophoresis, and newborn screening. According to officials associated with the programme, Mahalabs laboratories are among the country’s highest test-processing centres for newborn screening, Hb electrophoresis, viral load testing, and haematology.
The programme began with a single laboratory in Pune in 2017 and has since expanded to 137 laboratories across Maharashtra. Of these, seven laboratories – located in Kharghar, Nagpur (two labs), Nashik, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Gadchiroli – are NABL accredited, while the Kharghar laboratory in Navi Mumbai has received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
The Maharashtra government has also integrated several national diagnostic schemes with Mahalabs to support the timely identification, management, and elimination of diseases. These include the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.
The integration of these schemes has strengthened screening and diagnostic services in line with national health priorities. The programme operates through a sophisticated, technology-driven system. Once a doctor prescribes a test, trained phlebotomists collect samples at primary health centres, hospitals, and other public health facilities across the state. Samples are barcoded and digitally registered at the point of collection using a mobile application.
Collected samples are stored securely in cold boxes and transported to linked laboratories under controlled temperature conditions. Samples from government health facilities (spokes) are routed to various categories of labs (hubs) for testing. The laboratories are equipped with fully automated machines integrated with software systems to ensure rapid and error-free testing.
All diagnostic processes adhere to strict quality standards monitored by a Central Quality Assurance team. Test reports are verified and authenticated by dedicated qualified pathologists and specialists. Results are delivered digitally to patients and healthcare facilities via SMS, WhatsApp, doctor portals, and email, with hard copies provided subsequently. Through this system, Mahalabs ensures the delivery of accurate, timely, and entirely free diagnostic services across Maharashtra. Thanks & Regards,
