Maharashtra Virology Institute to set benchmark in disease diagnosis: Minister Prakash Abitkar

Written By : Rumela De Sarkar Published On 2025-11-02T16:15:03+05:30 | Updated On 2 Nov 2025 4:15 PM IST

MIV to Mirror National Institute of Virology, Says Health Minister

Pune: The Maharashtra Institute of Virology (MIV) is set to be developed into a high-quality facility modelled after the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said during his visit to Pune on Thursday.

"We envision MIV laboratories becoming a benchmark in disease diagnosis and a pivotal hub for strengthening the public health infrastructure," the minister said while touring MIV in the Camp area, where he reviewed its advanced infrastructure, equipment, and ongoing operations, reports the TOI.

A preliminary report outlining the infrastructure requirements has already been submitted to a high-level committee of experts. The project will require approximately 150 high-end equipment pieces, including automated ELISA processors, electron microscopes, DNA-sequencing analyzers, and other sophisticated instruments.

The minister praised the efforts of MIV researchers and technicians and urged them to maintain high standards of excellence in research, diagnostics, and laboratory management.

As part of his day-long tour, Abitkar also visited the Serum Institute of India (SII) to review its cervical cancer vaccine manufacturing units. He inspected the central control room of the emergency ambulance services located on the premises and held discussions with Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, SII’s Managing Director.

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Speaking to TOI, Abitkar said, "Vaccination, awareness, timely diagnosis and treatment are key in preventing cervical cancer. Considering the prevalence of cervical cancer among women in the state, it is imperative to implement preventive measures and organise screening campaigns."

After inspecting virology and vaccination facilities, Abitkar also visited the central control room for emergency ambulance services (102, 104, and 108) at Aundh Uro Hospital. He assessed the call monitoring systems, technological infrastructure, and ambulance response mechanisms, and issued directives aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing response times.

According to the Indian Express, Maharashtra EMS has 937 ambulances, including 237 Advanced Life Support ones and 704 Basic Life Support ambulances. Since its launch on January 26, 2014, till September 30, 2025, over 1,13,14 978 emergency patients have been served. Meanwhile, Dr Dnyaneshwar Shelke, Chief Operating Officer, Maharashtra EMS, said that a presentation was also made. “The integration of the Computer-Aided Dispatch system, GPS tracking, and coordination activities was also shown,” Dr Shelke added.

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This marks the first time Minister Abitkar toured the Maharashtra EMS control room, which also hosts the 104 Health Advice Call Centre. Ambulance services are currently operated by multiple agencies, including the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and the National Highway Authority of India, but plans are underway to develop an integrated network to oversee and coordinate all ambulance services across the state, including the 102 services.

national institute of virologyPrakash Abitkarniv

Rumela De Sarkar

With a keen interest in storytelling and a dedication to uncovering facts, Rumela De Sarkar joined Medical Dialogues as a Correspondent in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal. Rumela covers a wide range of healthcare topics, including medical news, policy updates, and developments related to doctors, hospitals, and medical education