Lok Sabha Question No. 3132 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-13
Subject: Setting up Crisis Management Cell
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ram Prasad Chaudhary

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †3132 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH DECEMBER, 2024

## SETTING UPCRISIS MANAGEMENT CELL

## †3132: SHRI RAM PRASAD CHAUDHARY:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government agrees with the view that the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) should set up a crisis management cell comprising government officer, laboratories, State authorities and its regional heads to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and vaccines for emerging public health emergencies;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government keeping in view the source of disease outbreak, epidemic and past epidemics such as Zika Virus disease, the Influenza H1N1 Pandemic and the COVID-19 Pandemic; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d): The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 under which vaccines are regulated, contains provisions for accelerated/ expedited approval process in certain situations like drug developed for disaster or defence use, unmet need, orphan drugs for rare diseases etc.

Health is a State subject. However, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare provides requisite support to States/UTs in order to enhance their capabilities to better prepare against disease outbreaks, epidemics & pandemics.

Further, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been strengthened to enhance disease surveillance activities through trained multi-disciplinary Rapid Response Team (RRTs) to institute requisite public health control and containment measures. IDSP, under Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) has also been empowered to use advanced data modelling and data analytical tools including real-time data reporting accessible at all levels.

In terms of laboratory strengthening, under IDSP, States have strengthened laboratories at District and State levels. Also, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established a network of more than 150 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for strengthening of nation-wide network of laboratories for timely laboratory-based diagnosis of pathogens. In addition, besides apex laboratory at National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune,

ICMR has developed two mobile BSL-3 laboratories to provide essential on-site diagnostic services during outbreaks, especially in remote areas. Further, a National Institute for One Health (NIOH) is established at Nagpur by ICMR to undertake integrated and holistic research and development across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors.

With the long-term goal to better prepare country against public health emergencies, Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has been launched to enhance the capacity of primary, secondary and tertiary health care facilities and institutes for identifying and managing any new and emerging diseases.

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