AIIMS-Nagpur Secures ₹30 Crore for New BSL-III Lab

AIIMS-Nagpur has been granted ₹30 crore by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to establish a Biosafety Level-III (BSL-III) laboratory. This facility is designed to enhance the region's ability to detect and investigate emerging infectious diseases, with operations expected to commence within a year. According to Prashant Joshi, the executive director of AIIMS, the funding will be utilized for developing the necessary infrastructure, while manpower and equipment will be financed through separate budgets.

The establishment of the BSL-III laboratory comes at a critical time, as factors such as increased human-animal interactions, deforestation, and climate change contribute to the rise of zoonotic diseases. Joshi emphasized the importance of addressing these environmental challenges, stating that the encroachment into wildlife habitats is a significant concern. The new facility aims to reduce reliance on the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for advanced testing, thereby strengthening Maharashtra's capacity for infectious disease research and surveillance.

Meena Mishra, head of the microbiology department at AIIMS-Nagpur, highlighted the necessity for both syndromic and genomic surveillance in the early detection of emerging infections. Syndromic surveillance focuses on identifying unusual illness patterns based on symptoms, while genomic surveillance utilizes whole genome sequencing to detect mutations and new pathogens. Mishra noted that timely detection is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures against rising disease incidences.

In addition to the BSL-III lab, AIIMS-Nagpur is also upgrading its Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) into an Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) with an investment of ₹17 crore, funded by the ICMR-DHR. This upgrade will enhance the facility's capabilities in bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology, expanding the range of infections that can be tested. The IRDL is expected to be operational within three months.

The microbiology department at AIIMS-Nagpur is already engaged in national surveillance programs and has played a pivotal role in granting PCR-testing status to over 250 laboratories across the country. With these advancements, AIIMS-Nagpur is set to significantly contribute to the public health landscape in Maharashtra and beyond.