India Unveils Mobile Lab Revolutionizing Outbreak Response

The Mobile BSL-3 laboratory, developed by ICMR and Klenzaids, enhances India's capacity to manage outbreaks. As part of the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, it exemplifies AtmaNirbhar Bharat and strengthens public health delivery, demonstrated by its deployment during the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has partnered with industrial firm Klenzaids Contamination Controls Private Limited to develop a Mobile BSL-3 laboratory. This innovation significantly boosts India's diagnostic and outbreak response capabilities, especially for high-risk pathogens, as part of the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.

Dubbed as a 'laboratory on wheels', this mobile unit advances public health emergency responses. It stands as a testament to India's AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, combining cutting-edge technology with skilled personnel for combating emerging and re-emerging disease threats effectively.

The laboratory, mounted on a Bharat Benz vehicle, adheres to WHO GOARN standards. It is equipped with HEPA-filtered HVAC systems and advanced safety features, validated by ICMR-NIV Pune. Successfully deployed in Kerala's Nipah virus outbreaks, it shows the strategic advantage of such deployable infrastructure in confronting epidemiological challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)