India Strengthens Future Pandemic Preparedness with Action Framework

The report recommends an actionable roadmap for deploying medical countermeasures within 100 days of any potential pandemic outbreak.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, discussed India’s preparedness for future pandemics in a high-level meeting today.

A crucial highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a report titled “Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response: A Framework for Action”, prepared by an Expert Group under NITI Aayog. The report was presented to the Minister by Dr. Vinod Paul, Member of NITI Aayog. This document lays out a structured approach to tackling future pandemics with a special emphasis on medical countermeasures, including diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.

Key Highlights of the Report

The report recommends an actionable roadmap for deploying medical countermeasures within 100 days of any potential pandemic outbreak. To achieve this ambitious target, the framework underscores the need for:

• Scaling manufacturing capacities to produce critical medical supplies rapidly.
• Strengthening forward and backward linkages within supply chains to ensure smooth production and distribution.
• Enhancing regulatory systems to fast-track approvals while maintaining safety and efficacy.
• Demonstrating India’s capabilities in proactive pandemic preparedness through collaborative research and industrial partnerships.

Mobilizing Research and Development for Future Challenges

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of mobilizing India’s Research & Development (R&D) infrastructure, industrial sector, and scientific community to work strategically on identifying potential pathogens and developing prototype vaccines. The Minister also highlighted that India’s inter-sectoral One Health Mission has already revamped pandemic surveillance systems to detect potential outbreaks at an early stage.

India’s COVID-19 Success and Future Readiness

Reflecting on India’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister noted that the country administered more than 220 crore doses of made-in-India vaccines to its citizens and shared vaccines with over 100 countries. Indian vaccine manufacturers successfully utilized multiple platforms, including mRNA, DNA, Adeno-viral, and inactivated virus systems. Additionally, over 250 indigenous COVID-19 diagnostic tests were approved, demonstrating the country’s strong scientific and industrial potential. Indian-manufactured drugs were also exported worldwide to assist in global pandemic response efforts.

Dr. Jitendra Singh credited much of India’s COVID-19 response success to the coordinated efforts across government departments, backed by the direct intervention and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initiatives such as Mission Suraksha, launched under the Prime Minister’s guidance, ensured that research, clinical trials, and vaccine development were fast-tracked with daily oversight.

India’s Global Recognition in Pandemic Preparedness

The report has received recognition on the international stage. The International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat has showcased India’s framework in its recent “100 Days Mission: Implementation Report 2024”, reinforcing India’s role as a global leader in pandemic preparedness.

Strengthening India’s Resilience Against Future Pandemics

The Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to leveraging its deep R&D capacities and industrial ecosystem to be fully prepared for future pandemics. The goal is to ensure that India remains at the forefront of medical innovation, manufacturing, and strategic health response planning, making the nation self-reliant and a global partner in health security.

With a structured framework and proactive strategies, India is set to become a model nation in pandemic preparedness, ready to safeguard public health and contribute to global resilience against future health crises.