Establishment of VRDLs (Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratories) throughout the country

SCHEME BRIEF

Outbreaks of Viral agents is very common in our country. Earlier, two National Apex Institutes: NIV, Pune and NCDC, New Delhi undertook the heavy burden investigations resulting in delay of diagnosis of diseases.

In order to strengthen the infrastructure for timely diagnosis of viral epidemics and continuous monitoring of existing as well as new viral strains,the Department of Health Research (DHR) planned to establish a 3-tier Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) throughout the country. This Scheme was approved by the Cabinet Committee on June 27th, 2013 for implementation during the 12th Plan Period (2013-14 to 2016-17). The aforesaid scheme entails establishment of 10 Regional Level Labs, 30 State Level Labs and 120 Medical College Level Labs in the State Government Medical Colleges for timely diagnosis and management of viral epidemics and new viral infection at an estimated cost of Rs. 646.83 crores (Central Share-Rs 485.13 + State Share-Rs 161.70 crore).

The geographic spread of the laboratories is ensured by establishing the labs across the country. Expenditure of 10 Regional Labs will be completely borne by the DHR while the expenditure on State Level and Medical college Level laboratories would be shared between Central and State Government in the ratio of 75:25 for the laboratories except NE and Hilly States for which the ratio will be 90:10. The cost of the land and building provided by the State Government will be reckoned towards the State share.