What happened (government preparedness outline for biological biosecurity)

The Government stated that India is prepared to respond to biological attacks through NDMA’s biological-disaster guidelines and the National Disaster Management Plan. The Government also described preparedness through disease surveillance, laboratory-based diagnosis, standard operating procedures, and coordinated multi-agency response mechanisms, including NDRF CBRN capability and mock drills.

Background and earlier position (existing national framework and public-health support)

NDMA’s National Disaster Management Guidelines on Management of Biological Disasters (2008) provide a threat-perception and risk-management framework that covers biological safety, biosecurity, and public-health preparedness. The National Disaster Management Plan (2019) incorporates Biological and Public Health Emergencies for prevention, preparedness, early detection, containment, and coordinated response. The Government further described continuous technical assessment and disease surveillance by scientific, public-health and security agencies, including MoHFW, NCDC, ICMR, and other designated agencies.

What changed now (roles clarified and capacity measures named)

The Government’s preparedness outline clarifies nodal responsibility and operational capacity-building measures. Key elements described include MoHFW as the nodal Ministry for biological disasters; strengthening of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for decentralized response using trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs); laboratory strengthening at district and State levels under IDSP; ICMR’s network of more than 150 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs); and ICMR’s development of two mobile Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories for on-site diagnostic services during outbreaks, especially in remote areas. The Government also linked preparedness to health system strengthening funding for emergencies such as pandemics and cited Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) for long-term capacity enhancement of health care facilities.

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