India, Jan. 12 -- The Chhattisgarh government is preparing to introduce uniform government-approved rates for diagnostic tests across all private hospitals and laboratories. Under the proposed plan, patients will be able to undergo medical tests at any private hospital or diagnostic centre at rates currently applicable in government hospitals.

Officials said the move aims to make healthcare more affordable and transparent, particularly for the poor and economically weaker sections.

State health minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said the health department will hold discussions with private hospitals and diagnostic centres to arrive at a consensus on the proposed rates.

"Things are under process and health department officials have been aske...