(a) whether a new test for early detection of cervical pre-cancer screening and management, the Human Papiloma (virus) DNA test is much more dependable and accurate than the traditional `pap smear` method, introduced at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi;
(b) if so, main features of this new test and its comparative dependability and advantages over the other methods; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to make the new facility available throughout the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)to(c): At present, Human Papilloma Virus testing is being done as a part of the research projects at AIIMS. In this regard, a new test of Hybrid capture is also to be taken up as a research project. This testing is not a substitute to the conventional `Pap smear` test, but the addition of this test may increase the accuracy of the conventional `Pap smear` test. Since the test is currently at a research stage only, the question of providing the facility country-wide does not arise at the present juncture.