165 VRDLs sanctioned to boost disease surveillance: Health Minister tells Parliament
New Delhi: The Central Government has sanctioned a total of 165 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across the country as part of its efforts to strengthen India's disease surveillance and response systems. The information was shared in Parliament by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.
The sanctioned VRDLs include 11 at the regional level, 27 at the state level, and 127 at the Medical Colleges, with a state-wise detailed list provided in the official annexure.
Under the current 15th Finance Commission period, the government has approved the establishment of 42 new VRDLs across the country, as part of its broader push to strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostic capacity following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, the Government of Kerala submitted a request to establish a new VRDL at Konni Medical College. However, the Ministry has clarified that Kerala already hosts eight sanctioned VRDLs, supplemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) mobile Bio-Safety Level (BSL)-3 laboratories. These mobile units offer flexible deployment capabilities to meet emerging needs without the immediate requirement for additional fixed laboratories.
During a recent Rajya Sabha session, Shri Sandosh Kumar P. raised questions seeking information on the list of Viral Diagnostic Research Laboratories (VDRLs)that are currently operational in the country, State-wise.
Also Read:18 Medical Device Firms Got Rs 133.95 Cr in Incentives Till FY2024-25: Govt Tells RS
He asked whether the Government has any plan to allot more VDRLs in the country.
He seeks to know if so, the details thereof;
He inquired whether the Government of Kerala has requested the setting up of a VDRL at the Konni Medical College.
He also asked whether the Government is willing to accept the request; and
Furthermore, he inquired, if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons therefor?
Also Read: Rotatory Headship Policy at AIIMS and PGI still pending: Health Minister tells Parliament
Under the 15th Finance Commission period, 42 VRDLs have been sanctioned across the country. A request from the Government of Kerala for setting up a Viral Diagnostic Research Laboratory at Konni Medical College has been received. Since eight (08) VRDLs have already been sanctioned for the State of Kerala, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also has mobile Bio-Safety Level (BSL)-3 laboratories that can be deployed as per requirement, the proposal for establishing an additional VRDL in Kerala is not under consideration, stated the Minister.
