In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on December 13, 2024, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, detailed the government’s proactive measures to bolster India's preparedness and response to epidemics and natural calamities. Central to these efforts is the implementation of a Central Sector Scheme by the Department of Health Research (DHR), aimed at establishing a robust network of laboratories across the country.

The scheme, with an allocation of ₹324 crore for the period 2021-2026, has led to the sanctioning of 163 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) in medical colleges and research institutions nationwide. Among these, 11 regional laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facilities, enabling them to detect high-risk infectious pathogens with public health significance.

Eligible institutions, including Central Government Medical and Research Institutes such as Armed Forces Medical Colleges, Railway hospitals, and AYUSH facilities, can apply for VRDL establishment. Applications are evaluated based on the parameters outlined in the scheme’s guidelines available on the DHR website.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) complements this initiative by funding research through intramural and extramural grants. Extramural grants are categorized into Small Grants, Intermediate Grants, and Centres for Advanced Research, facilitating extensive research across medicine, public health, and allied disciplines. Additionally, ICMR's National Health Research Priority Programme invites multi-centric projects, focusing on identified priority areas across the country.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has also introduced critical programs to advance research and development in life sciences and biotechnology. Key initiatives include:

DBT-BUILDER: Upgrading postgraduate teaching and training laboratories to enable advanced interdisciplinary research.

DBT-SAHAJ: A centralized portal offering seamless access to facilities supported by the DBT for researchers and academia.

Further, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a pivotal role in supporting the medical device industry through the Biomedical Device and Technology Development (BDTD) Program. This initiative facilitates the development of globally competitive screening, diagnostic, and life-support equipment, fostering innovation and commercialization through biomedical hubs.

These multi-pronged efforts reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities. By establishing advanced diagnostic facilities, promoting interdisciplinary education, and encouraging medical innovation, India is enhancing its capacity to tackle public health emergencies while advancing its standing in global healthcare research and development