Steps Taken to Enhance National Preparedness against Emerging Infectious Diseases

The Union Health Ministry has expanded the nationwide Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network to 163 labs (11 regional, 27 state and 125 medical college labs) to boost diagnostic capacity. Four Regional Next‑Generation Sequencing (NGS) hubs and Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratories have been set up for decentralized diagnostics and genomic characterization of pathogens. Coordination between central and state health authorities is being reinforced through real‑time surveillance under IDSP/IHIP, information sharing and joint outbreak response, with mechanisms tested via simulation exercises and mock drills. The Ministry also launched the Pradhan Mantri‑Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM‑ABHIM) to strengthen primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities for future emergencies.