There is encouraging news for epilepsy patients receiving treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi. The AIIMS administration has introduced a major patient-friendly initiative by launching free therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) tests for epilepsy patients. With this move, patients will no longer need to visit private laboratories or pay hefty fees for these essential tests.
Earlier, therapeutic drug monitoring tests for epilepsy medicines used to cost anywhere between ₹400 and ₹2,000 outside AIIMS. Now, this facility will be provided completely free of cost within the institute, offering significant financial relief to patients coming from across the country.
Free monitoring of essential epilepsy medicines
AIIMS has directed all its departments and centres, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar, to send patient samples to the designated laboratory for testing. Under this facility, blood levels of commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drugs—Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid, and Phenytoin—will be monitored.
Explaining the importance of the test, Dr. Ashok Sharma from the Department of Biochemistry said that therapeutic drug monitoring helps measure the amount of medicine present in a patient’s blood. This allows doctors to assess whether the drug is effective, adjust dosages if required, and ensure that the medicine is not causing toxicity.
Both OPD and admitted patients to benefit
The free testing facility will be available to outpatients at AIIMS Delhi at the Collection Centre, Room No. 3, between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. In addition, admitted patients and those being treated at AIIMS-affiliated centres, including NCI Jhajjar, will also be able to avail of this service.
Previously, patients had to spend between ₹390 and ₹1,880 for therapeutic drug monitoring of different epilepsy medicines at private labs. With AIIMS now offering these tests free of charge, the burden on patients and their families is expected to reduce significantly.
A step towards safer epilepsy treatment
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can be effectively controlled with the right medication and monitoring. Doctors caution that relying on unverified home remedies instead of proper medical supervision can worsen a patient’s condition. Regular monitoring of drug levels plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective treatment.
