ICMR picks Bengaluru to set up South India’s first infectious disease research lab

Bengaluru has been chosen as the site for South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The prestigious project will be established at Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute (BMC&RI).

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Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood, credited BMC&RI’s credibility and commitment to serving diverse communities for its selection. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr. Patil noted that Bengaluru’s laboratory would eliminate the need to send infectious disease samples to other states for confirmation.

The ICMR’s nationwide IRDL initiative focuses on strengthening research in virology, bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology. These laboratories aim to enhance medical colleges’ diagnostic and research capacities, enabling them to address emerging and existing infectious disease challenges.

The IRDL project in Bengaluru will prioritize three critical areas:

• Bacteriology: Identifying bacterial pathogens, improving diagnostic precision, and researching antibiotic resistance trends.
• Mycology: Advancing diagnostics and treatment of fungal infections.
• Parasitology: Studying parasitic organisms, particularly those affecting tropical regions, to improve diagnostics and management.

This facility is expected to bolster infectious disease research and diagnostics in Karnataka, supporting both public health efforts and academic advancements. The central government’s initiative underscores its commitment to building robust medical research infrastructure across the country.