New Delhi: In a significant event showcasing India’s advancements in medical research and diagnostics, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, SmtAnupriya Patel, recently inaugurated the National Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Conclave - 2025. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research (DHR) and DG,ICMRand Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India were also present. Lauding DHR, ICMR and VRDLs for their collaborations and innovation in service of society, Smt. Patel said each laboratory, each innovation, each collaboration contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat. Also Read:Communication as crucial as clinical skills, says Anupriya Patel at Book launch Addressing scientists from 165 VRDLs across the country at the two-day Conclave being held in Delhi, Smt. Patel said, our VRDLs have stood as sentinels in protecting the country during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. She acknowledged the key role played by these Laboratories in sequencing the virus and validating nearly 1,700 diagnostic commodities. Sharing that sixteen of these VRDLs are now equipped with Bio-Safety Level-3 facilities to study high-risk pathogens, the Minister expressed, VRDLs have been central to early detection of outbreaks of Nipah, Zika, and Kyasanur Forest Disease. Smt. Patel highlighted the pivotal role of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, the country’s only BSL-4 laboratory and informed that under the Prime Minister’sAyushman BharatHealth Infrastructure Mission, four new regional NIVs are being established in Jabalpur, Dibrugarh, Bangalore, and Jammu, ensuring that preparedness is spread across the nation. The Union Minister shared India’s strides in combating tuberculosis (TB) through homegrown innovative technologies and solutions validated by ICMR. Portable handheld X-ray machines have been deployed to remote villages as part of the 100-day TB campaign. DeepCXR, an AI-based screening tool trained on over 75,000 chest X-ray images, is now freely available for mass TB screening. The CyTb skin test, priced affordably at ₹199, offers a cost-effective method to detect latent TB, while PathoDetectTM provides rapid and accurate molecular diagnosis for TB and drug resistance in a single test. A modified BPaL treatment regimen trial has demonstrated cure rates of up to 90 percent for drug-resistant TB with reduced side effects. Addressing health challenges in tribal populations, Smt. Patel highlighted efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease through the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. The cost of rapid diagnostic tests has been brought down from ₹300 to ₹28 through cost-effectiveness studies by Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) and validation by ICMR. The Union Minister also informed that HTAIn has also played a vital role in optimizing healthcare costs and quality under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, revising 855 health benefit packages based on cost data collected from 86 hospitals, thereby benefiting millions. ICMR’s collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to develop standard protocols for in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) is another pioneering step. These publicly available protocols elevate validation standards and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian diagnostics. Several VRDLs are also being upgraded to Medical Device Testing Laboratories. The Union Minister also released the In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) validation portal and protocols and exuded confidence that “the new IVD validation portal launched will facilitate faster, more transparent, and industry-friendly validation processes.” As part of strengthening evidence-based policymaking, Smt. Patel released the first VRDL Bulletin. She stated that “this will enable real-time tracking of viral infections to improve resource allocation by both state and central governments”. Citing examples of DHR’s contributions in TB innovations and sickle cell elimination, the Union Minister said, “from early detection of outbreaks to indigenous test validations, from TB and sickle cell innovations to the establishment of new NIVs and the pioneering One Health collaborations, India is building a resilient, self-reliant, and globally relevant health research ecosystem.” Smt. Patel emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India has launched the National One Health Mission, a pioneering initiative that brings together 13 departments under one umbrella for the first time in the world. She added that ten VRDLs are now part of a National BSL-3 Network under this mission. Smt. Anupriya Patel concluded her address by congratulating the Department of Health Research, ICMR, and all VRDL colleagues for their vision and dedication. Dr Rajiv Bahl stated that the two-day conclave will unveil transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s ability to respond effectively to viral outbreaks, emerging infections, and other health emergencies, while reinforcing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said that “just like India’s air defence was impenetrable during the recent Operation Sindoor, the VRDL network will also act as an impenetrable bio-defence of India.” “With 164 laboratories across 26 states and 5 Union Territories, the VRDL network acts as a vital safeguard, enabling early detection, swift diagnosis, and prompt response to infectious diseases. Its exemplary contributions during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as outbreaks like Nipah, Kyasanur Forest Disease, Zika, and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, have significantly strengthened India’s disease surveillance and emergency response mechanisms”, he further stated. Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi stated that CDSCO and ICMR collaborated and jointly developed 39 standard evaluation protocols for high-risk IVDs covering diseases such as TB, Malaria, Nipah Virus etc. He also highlighted that, “this initiative is the first of its kind globally representing a unique partnership between a National Regulatory Authority and a National Research Institute to create standardized protocols for assessing the performance of IVD kit”. The Union Minister awarded the following 25 top-performing VRDLs (8 Gold and 17 Silver categories) for their outstanding contributions to disease detection and laboratory excellence: Brief on VRDL Bulletin Launch: Quarterly VRDL Bulletin is designed to systematically track the trends of pathogens, their seasonal patterns, and outbreak dynamics across the nation. It serves as a crucial tool for policymakers and health authorities to understand infection patterns, anticipate seasonal surges, and enable targeted and efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Brief on Protocol Release: ICMR and CDSCO have developed standardized analytical and clinical validation protocols for in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs). To ensure transparency and efficiency, a new validation portal has been established, enabling manufacturers to apply for validation and track the status of their applications in real time. These protocols, once published on the CDSCO website, are expected to serve as global benchmarks, thereby reinforcing trust in India’s diagnostic standards. Further strengthening these initiatives, several VRDLs are being designated as Medical Device Testing Laboratories (MDTLs) under ISO 17025 standards. This step will not only enhance domestic diagnostic capabilities but also position India as a leader in the global medical diagnostics ecosystem. Brief of Validation Portal launched: Validation Portal for In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs). The Portal provides manufacturers with a transparent and efficient platform to apply for validation and to track the status of their applications in real time. Smt. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, DHR; senior officials and scientists of Union Health Ministry and ICMR, and Doctors and Researchers from Medical Colleges and VRDLs across the nation were present at the event. Also Read:Expert panel says India doesn't meet criteria for Malaria Vaccines: MoS Health