**Executive Summary**
The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru, has achieved ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for its Biochemistry and Haematology laboratory, becoming the first institute under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to receive this distinction. Announced on April 11, 2026, this milestone transitions the facility into a globally recognized center for accurate and reliable diagnostics. The institute aims to further expand its range of accredited tests to provide comprehensive, affordable healthcare to the public.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Accreditation and Standards**
* CARI Bengaluru is the first CCRAS institute to secure ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for Biochemistry and Haematology.
* The laboratory is NABL-accredited for 50 test parameters, including blood glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney function tests, and complete blood counts.
* The facility has progressed from an entry-level NABL certification (November 2022) to full international standard accreditation.
* The institute is currently moving toward achieving BIS IS/ISO 9001:2015 certification.
* **Operational Growth and Performance**
* Laboratory investigations increased from 2,770 in 2021 to over 1.55 lakh in 2026.
* During 2025–26, the lab conducted over 1.52 lakh investigations, serving more than 9,300 patients.
* OPD footfall surged from 18,918 in 2021 to over 51,300 in 2026, reflecting increased public trust.
* Inpatient services, introduced in July 2024, have reached nearly full bed occupancy.
* **Technological and Research Advancements**
* The laboratory has been upgraded from semi-automated to fully automated systems under the Centre of Excellence Scheme.
* Digital reporting tools now provide patients with results via SMS, email, and WhatsApp for faster turnaround times.
* The institute maintains a robust research portfolio with 20–25 projects annually and serves as an Ayurveda Science Incubation Centre.
* The facility has significantly scaled its efforts in medicinal plant validation and authentication.
**Impact Analysis**
**Patients**
**Impact**: Patients receive accurate, safe, and globally accepted diagnostic results, essential for effective treatment and improved health outcomes. They also benefit from enhanced accessibility through faster turnaround times and digital report delivery.
**Action Required**: Can now rely on the institute for high-quality, affordable diagnostic services that support integrated Ayush-based healthcare.
**Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru**
**Impact**: The accreditation reinforces the institute's role as a leader under CCRAS and a benchmark for quality and reliability in Ayush infrastructure. It strengthens their clinical capabilities and validates their commitment to evidence-based practice.
**Action Required**: Must maintain rigorous quality implementation and documentation while continuing to expand the range of accredited tests and complete the BIS IS/ISO 9001:2015 certification process.
**Ministry of Ayush / CCRAS**
**Impact**: This achievement showcases the successful transformation of Ayush infrastructure into a high-quality, scientific framework. It reinforces the focus on integrating traditional medicine with modern diagnostic rigor.
**Action Required**: Use this milestone as a model for other CCRAS institutes to elevate quality standards and scientific excellence across the Ministry’s network.
Key Entities Referenced
Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru: The primary research institute that achieved ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for its clinical laboratory in biochemistry and haematology.
ISO 15189:2022: The international standard for quality and competence in medical laboratories attained by CARI Bengaluru.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS): The apex body under the Ministry of Ayush responsible for coordinating and promoting research in Ayurvedic sciences.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL): The accreditation body that previously certified the facility and remains a benchmark for its diagnostic parameters.
Centre of Excellence Scheme: A Ministry of Ayush initiative under which the laboratory was progressively upgraded with fully automated diagnostic systems.
AYUSH
CARI Bengaluru Becomes First CCRAS Institute
to Achieve ISO 15189:2022 Accreditation in
Biochemistry & Haematology
CARI Achieves NABL Accreditation for 50 Parameters with
Over 1.5 Lakh Tests Conducted Annually
Global Accreditation Ensures Precise Diagnostics and
Positions Ayush as a Benchmark for Quality Care: Shri
Prataprao Jadhav
Landmark ISO 15189:2022 Recognition Reinforces Evidence-
Based Practice and Research in Ayush: Vaidya Rajesh
Kotecha
Posted On: 11 APR 2026 11:01AM by PIB Delhi
In a significant milestone for quality-assured healthcare under the Ministry of Ayush, the Clinical
Laboratory at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru, has been awarded ISO
15189:2022 accreditation for both Biochemistry and Haematology—becoming the first institute under the
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve this distinction.
This accreditation assures patients that the laboratory delivers accurate, reliable, and safe diagnostic
results in line with globally accepted quality standards. The achievement marks the laboratory’s
transformation from an entry-level NABL-certified facility to a fully established, accredited centre of
excellence.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, highlighted
“Accreditation to international standards such as ISO 15189:2022 ensures that patients receive reliable and
precise diagnostic services, which are essential for effective treatment and improved health outcomes.
This achievement by CARI Bengaluru showcases how the Ministry is steadily transforming Ayush
infrastructure into a benchmark of quality and reliability.”
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, added: “The recognition of CARI Bengaluru as the
first CCRAS institute with ISO 15189:2022 accreditation in both Biochemistry and Haematology is a
landmark step in integrating high-quality diagnostics with traditional systems of medicine. It reinforces
our focus on evidence-based practice, research, and patient-centric care.”
Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS stated, “The recent NABL accreditation of CARI
Bengaluru, building on its earlier NABH and NABL entry-level certifications and ongoing BIS IS/ISO
9001:2015 progression, along with its role as an Ayurveda Science Incubation Centre under the Ministryof Ayush, significantly elevates quality standards, positioning Ayurveda research and innovation at the
highest level of scientific rigor and excellence.”
Dr. Sulochana Bhat, Head, CARI, Bengaluru Emphasised “Achieving ISO 15189:2022 accreditation is a
proud milestone for our institute. It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and
patient-centred diagnostic services. This accomplishment not only strengthens our clinical capabilities but
also reinforces our role as a leading institution under CCRAS. This could be achieved due to the sincere
efforts of Dr. Vidyashree Anchan (Research Officer, Pathology) and CARI team.”
The laboratory currently holds NABL accreditation for 50 test parameters across Biochemistry and
Haematology. It offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, including blood glucose, HbA1c,
liver and kidney function tests, lipid and thyroid profiles, electrolytes, and complete blood counts, among
others—enabling accurate assessment of metabolic, hormonal, and blood-related conditions.
During 2025–26, the laboratory conducted over 1.52 lakh investigations, serving more than 9,300 patients
—demonstrating its growing capacity and commitment to quality diagnostics. Equipped with advanced
systems and digital reporting tools, patients benefit from faster turnaround times, improved accuracy, and
convenient access to reports via SMS, email, and WhatsApp.
The institute’s steady growth across clinical, research, and diagnostic services further underscores this
achievement. OPD footfall has more than doubled from 18,918 in 2021 to over 51,300 in 2026, reflecting
rising public trust and outreach. Laboratory investigations have witnessed a remarkable surge—from just
2,770 tests in 2021 to over 1.55 lakh in 2026—highlighting enhanced diagnostic capacity. Similarly,
Panchakarma and para-surgical procedures have expanded nearly twentyfold during this period, while
research activities have remained consistently robust with around 20–25 projects annually. Since the
introduction of inpatient services in July 2024, bed occupancy has reached nearly full capacity,
demonstrating increasing demand for integrative care. The institute has also strengthened its role in
medicinal plant validation, significantly scaling up authentication efforts over the years.
The journey to this achievement reflects sustained effort and institutional commitment. Beginning with a
single semi-automated biochemistry analyser, the laboratory was progressively upgraded with fully
automated systems under the Centre of Excellence Scheme of the Ministry of Ayush. Following its NABL
entry-level certification in November 2022, the laboratory advanced to meet the more stringent ISO
15189:2022 standards through rigorous quality implementation, documentation, and assessment processes.
The laboratory plays a critical role in supporting Ayurveda and Ayush-based treatments by providing
dependable diagnostic data for clinical decision-making, monitoring patient progress, and strengthening
research outcomes.
Notably, CARI Bengaluru had earlier become the first CCRAS institute to secure both NABH and NABL
entry-level certifications during 2021–22, and is also progressing towards BIS IS/ISO 9001:2015
certification—further reinforcing its commitment to quality, precision, and excellence.
Looking ahead, the institute plans to expand its range of accredited tests and enhance diagnostic
capabilities to provide more comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare services to the public.
***
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