Droupadi Murmu lays foundation stone for Zonal Institute of Virology (South Zone)
She was happy to note that the National Institute of Virology has been designated as one of the collaborating laboratories of the World Health Organization
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for the Zonal Institute of Virology (South Zone) virtually. Present was Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar. Speaking about the covid pandemic, the President said that the resilience and extraordinary effort of our doctors and scientists helped us deal with the crisis. She noted that the Indian Council of Medical Research has provided exemplary support for effective COVID management and is expanding its research infrastructure. National Institute of Virology, Pune under the Indian Council of Medical Research, is also taking all possible steps to increase R&D in the field of virology.
She was happy to note that the National Institute of Virology has been designated as one of the collaborating laboratories of the World Health Organization. She said that the expansion of the National Institute of Virology through Zonal Campuses across the country catering to the demands in the different geographical regions is praiseworthy.
Pawar said, “This new NIV is a step further to strengthen our health defence system”. She stated that under Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), funds have been approved to set up multisector national institutions and platforms including 4 Zonal National Institutes of Virology (NIVs) towards bio-security preparedness and strengthening pandemic research across the country.
