PROJECT

Setting up of nation-wide network of laboratories for managing epidemics and national calamities – Medical College Level VRDL

October 2021 - September 2026

Objectives:

• Provide early detection and identification of viruses and other pathogens causing public health morbidity.
• Serve as a mobilized diagnostic center during acute local and national health emergencies or infectious disease crises.
• Communicate outbreak data directly to public health authorities to trigger immediate preventive and containment measures.
• Develop institutional capacity to identify novel, unknown, and genetically modified/active viral strains.
• Assist in developing, validating, and manufacturing indigenous diagnostic kits.
• Train clinical and scientific personnel in advanced virological techniques and biosafety protocols.

Study Overview:

The Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network is a project funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research/Department of Health Research aimed at strengthening viral disease diagnosis, research, and surveillance across India. The project focuses on diagnostic services for viral diseases (also non-viral). Medical College Level Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) are established to create nationwide pandemic resilience, decentralized testing, and advanced public health surveillance. They function as a critical three-tier network to ensure early outbreak detection and localized epidemiological research.

Study Approach:

The core responsibilities and research mandates of the VRDL are:
(i) Detecting and diagnosing viruses and other public health agents (particularly those with epidemic potential)
(ii) Identifying emerging or re-emerging viral strains and novel pathogens, and developing diagnostic kits.
(iii) Gathering reliable data on viral diseases to help health authorities quickly and effectively deploy resources during public health emergencies.
(iv) Building capacity by continually training health professionals and laboratory personnel in molecular diagnostics and biosafety.
(v) Continuously standardizing and upgrading diagnostic protocols and quality assurance systems in public health labs.

Expected Public Health Impact:

The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories form the frontline infrastructure for identifying, monitoring, and mitigating viral diseases. They are critical to public health because they provide early warnings for epidemics, track emerging pathogen mutations, and guide rapid responses to infectious outbreaks.