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New Delhi, : The Government of India has taken significant steps to establish a robust network of laboratories aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness and response to epidemics and natural disasters. Through a Central Sector Scheme, the government has allocated Rs. 324 Crore for the period from FY 2021-22 to 2025-26 to set up advanced Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across the nation.
Under this scheme, a total of 163 VRDLs have been sanctioned in various medical colleges and research institutions. These laboratories play a critical role in detecting, managing, and controlling infectious diseases of public health significance. Among the 163 sanctioned VRDLs, 11 laboratories hold regional status and are equipped with state-of-the-art Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities, enabling the detection of high-risk pathogens.
The scheme is inclusive, allowing Central Government Medical and Research Institutes, including premier organizations such as the Armed Forces Medical College, Army Medical Hospitals, and health service bodies like Railway Hospitals and AYUSH institutions (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy), to apply for the establishment of VRDLs. Institutions must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Scheme Guidelines available on the Department of Health Research (DHR) website. Applications are evaluated and processed for funding based on the laid-out procedure.
ICMR’s Role in Advancing Research
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) supports scientific research through its Intramural and Extramural Grants Programmes. ICMR provides funding to researchers both within its institutes and outside through initiatives like Small Grants, Intermediate Grants, and Centres for Advanced Research. Additionally, multi-centric projects are undertaken nationwide under the National Health Research Priority Programme, focusing on key areas in medicine, public health, and allied disciplines. Researchers and faculty members can submit proposals, which are selected as per the Programme Guidelines available on the ICMR website.
Department of Biotechnology Initiatives
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has also been instrumental in bolstering research infrastructure. Through initiatives like DBT-BUILDER (Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments for Education and Research Programme), the department aims to enhance postgraduate teaching and enable advanced interdisciplinary research. Furthermore, DBT-SAHAJ (Scientific Infrastructure Access for Harnessing Academia University Research Joint Collaboration) serves as a consolidated platform to provide access to DBT-supported research facilities via a single window.
Support for Medical Device Development
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is addressing the R&D needs of the medical device industry through its Biomedical Device and Technology Development (BDTD) Programme. This initiative focuses on screening, diagnostic, surgical, and life-support equipment development to meet global standards. BDTD promotes R&D by supporting prototype development, technology upscaling, and market validation, ultimately enabling the transfer of innovations for commercialization. Scientists, engineers, and technologists from academic and R&D institutions with adequate infrastructure are encouraged to submit proposals.
Enhancing India’s Health Infrastructure
These coordinated efforts by multiple government departments reflect a comprehensive approach to enhance India’s health infrastructure and readiness to combat epidemics and natural disasters. The establishment of VRDLs, along with the R&D support for medical technologies, strengthens the nation’s capacity to detect infectious diseases early, conduct advanced research, and develop innovative healthcare solutions.
For further details, guidelines, and application procedures, stakeholders can visit the respective department websites:
- Department of Health Research: https://dhr.gov.in
- Indian Council of Medical Research: https://icmr.gov.in
- Department of Biotechnology: https://dbtindia.gov.in
This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring a resilient and technologically advanced healthcare infrastructure in India.
