India Strengthens Future Pandemic Preparedness with Strategic Action Plan

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, held discussions today on India’s pandemic preparedness strategy, emphasizing proactive measures for future outbreaks.

During the event, NITI Aayog Member Dr. Vinod Paul presented a detailed report titled “Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response: A Framework for Action.” The report, prepared by an expert group under NITI Aayog, outlines critical recommendations for strengthening India’s pandemic response capabilities, focusing on diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.

The framework aims to establish action pathways for deploying medical countermeasures within 100 days of any future outbreak. This ambitious target requires scaling up manufacturing capacities, strengthening regulatory systems, and creating essential linkages within the healthcare and research ecosystem.

Dr. Singh highlighted the need for mobilizing India’s research and development teams, infrastructure, and industry to proactively work on potential pathogens and prototype vaccines. He noted that India’s One Health Mission has already enhanced pandemic surveillance mechanisms, ensuring early detection and response to potential outbreaks.

Reflecting on India’s response to COVID-19, the Minister emphasized the nation’s achievements, including the administration of over 220 crore vaccine doses and the export of vaccines to more than 100 countries. He pointed out that Indian scientists successfully developed vaccines using multiple platforms—mRNA, DNA, adenoviral, and inactivated virus systems—while also producing nearly 250 approved COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

Dr. Singh credited this success to the government’s coordinated approach and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in launching Mission Suraksha, a dedicated research and trial initiative that played a pivotal role in vaccine development.

As India moves forward, Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening its deep R&D capabilities and industrial ecosystem to ensure a robust response to any future pandemics. He also noted that the 100 Days Mission: Implementation Report 2024 by the International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat has highlighted India’s preparedness framework, showcasing its progress on the global stage.