For thousands of epilepsy patients who visit AIIMS for treatment, there is welcome news. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is set to roll out free Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) tests, a move that promises safer treatment, better dose control and major savings for patients and their families.

Until now, many epilepsy patients were forced to step outside the hospital and pay hefty amounts for these specialised blood tests. With AIIMS bringing the facility in-house, patients will no longer have to run from lab to lab or worry about extra expenses. The AIIMS administration has already issued instructions to all departments and centres, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to send patient samples to the designated laboratory for testing.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring plays a critical role in epilepsy care. The test measures the level of medicines in the blood, helping doctors understand whether a drug is working effectively or if the dose needs fine-tuning. Just as importantly, it also helps detect early signs of drug toxicity—something especially crucial for epilepsy patients who often take multiple medications for long periods.

Under this new facility, patients can get free monitoring for commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drugs such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid and phenytoin. AIIMS’ Media Cell explained that these tests help clinicians strike the right balance—ensuring the dose is strong enough to control seizures, but safe enough to avoid harmful side effects.

Both OPD and admitted patients will be able to avail of the service. At AIIMS Delhi, OPD patients can give their samples at Collection Centre Room No. 3 between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. The same free testing facility will also be available at the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar and other AIIMS-associated centres.

The relief for patients is not just medical, but financial as well. Outside AIIMS, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring tests for different anti-epileptic drugs typically cost anywhere between ₹390 and ₹1,880. By offering the tests free of charge, AIIMS is easing a significant burden on families already coping with a chronic neurological condition.

For epilepsy patients, this initiative means fewer hospital visits, better-controlled treatment and, most importantly, peace of mind—knowing that their medication levels are being closely and safely monitored without any added cost.