In order to better prepare against future pandemics/public health emergencies in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides requisite support to States/UTs to enhance their capabilities. Under the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), the Ministry has strengthened the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to enhance disease surveillance activities. IDSP allows for a decentralized system of response through trained multi-disciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to institute requisite public health control and containment measures.  The platform has also been strengthened to use advanced data modeling and data analytical tools and contains real-time data reporting that is accessible at all levels.

In terms of laboratory strengthening, under IDSP, States have strengthened laboratories at the District and State levels. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established a network of more than 150 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) to strengthen the nationwide network of laboratories for timely laboratory-based diagnosis of pathogens. In addition to this, besides the apex laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune four regional NIVs are being established in Jammu, Jabalpur, Dibrugarh, and Bengaluru. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed two mobile BSL-3 laboratories to provide essential on-site diagnostic services during outbreaks, especially in remote areas. Further, a National Institute for One Health (NIOH) is being established at Nagpur by ICMR to undertake integrated and holistic research and development across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors.

Under the Central Sector Scheme, ‘Health Sector Disaster Preparedness and Response’, multiple capacity-building initiatives on the following facets are undertaken across the country: hospital preparedness, health sector disaster preparedness and response, psycho-social care in disaster settings, etc.  

With the long-term goal to better prepare the country against public health emergencies, Pradhan Mantri- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has been launched to enhance the capacity of primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities and institutes for identifying and managing any new and emerging diseases.

Funding support has been provided to States/UTs for health system strengthening to meet any exigency due to public health emergencies like pandemics. During the FY 2020-21, funds to the tune of Rs. 8473.73 crores have been released to the States/UTs towards the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP-I) for health infrastructure strengthening, expansion of laboratory network, surveillance, procurement of medical logistics, etc. Under India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package-Phase II, a sum of Rs. 12,740.22 crore support was provided to States/UTs for ramping up health infrastructure and provision of medical logistics. Further, a release of Rs. 3,619.82 crore has been provided as the central release of grants under PM-ABHIM (FY2021-24) for better public health preparedness.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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HFW/Steps taken for future pandemic preparedness/26 July 2024/3