Haryana to set up second HIV testing lab in Panchkula
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 26, 2026: The Haryana Health Department has approved the establishment of a second HIV viral load testing laboratory at Civil Hospital in Panchkula, aimed at strengthening diagnostic and treatment monitoring services across the state.
The new facility will be the second of its kind in Haryana after the existing lab at Rohtak.
Sharing details, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra said the lab has been approved at an annual cost of ₹1.65 crore and is expected to handle around 15,000 HIV viral load tests each year.
The entire project will be funded by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), ensuring no financial burden on the state government.
The laboratory will be set up using the existing COVID-19 molecular testing infrastructure at Civil Hospital, Panchkula, along with additional specialised equipment.
This approach will enable quicker operationalisation without the need for building a new facility from scratch.
Currently, HIV samples from across Haryana are sent to PGIMS Rohtak for testing. The new lab is expected to significantly reduce turnaround time, allowing for faster diagnosis and improved monitoring of patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
Officials said regular viral load testing is crucial for HIV-positive individuals as it helps assess treatment effectiveness, detect failures early, and prevent drug resistance. The initiative, developed with inputs from the Haryana State AIDS Control Society and technical evaluation by NACO, is part of a broader effort to decentralise healthcare services and improve access for patients.
With an estimated capacity of 15,000 tests annually, the Panchkula lab is set to become a key component in Haryana’s HIV care network, enhancing timely intervention and overall patient outcomes.