The Union Government has undertaken comprehensive measures to bolster the country’s preparedness for future pandemics and public health emergencies. These efforts include substantial financial assistance to states and union territories (UTs) and strengthening key health infrastructure and surveillance systems.   

Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing pandemic preparedness. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has extended crucial support to states and UTs to boost their capabilities. Central to these efforts is the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), which has been reinforced under the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).

This initiative aims to improve disease surveillance and rapid data reporting by employing advanced data modeling and analytical tools. The IDSP supports a decentralized response system through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to implement public health control and containment measures effectively.   

In a bid to enhance laboratory capabilities, the IDSP has facilitated the strengthening of laboratories at both district and state levels. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established a network of over 150 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across the country. Additionally, four regional NIVs are being set up in Jammu, Jabalpur, Dibrugarh, and Bengaluru, complementing the apex laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. The ICMR has also developed two mobile BSL-3 laboratories to deliver on-site diagnostic services, particularly in remote areas during outbreaks. Furthermore, the National Institute for One Health (NIOH) is being established in Nagpur to foster integrated research across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors.   

The Central Sector Scheme, ‘Health Sector Disaster Preparedness and Response’, has introduced various capacity-building initiatives. These include enhancing hospital preparedness, disaster response, and psycho-social care in disaster settings.    The Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), launched to improve healthcare facilities, aims to strengthen primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services to better manage emerging diseases. Financial support under PM-ABHIM includes a central grant release of Rs. 3,619.82 crore for the period FY2021-24, focusing on improving public health infrastructure.   

For immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant funding has been provided. In FY 2020-21, Rs. 8,473.73 crore was allocated under the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP-I) for enhancing health infrastructure, expanding the laboratory network, and procuring medical supplies. Phase II of the package saw an additional Rs. 12,740.22 crore allocated for ramping up health infrastructure and providing medical logistics.    These strategic investments and initiatives reflect the government's robust approach to preparing for future health emergencies and improving overall public health resilience.