BuzzBytes New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the establishment of the National Institute of One Health in Nagpur. This landmark decision signals a paradigm shift in India’s strategy for disease control and pandemic preparedness, emphasizing collaboration across human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors.In a move set to redefine public health infrastructure, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of the Director post at the Scientist ‘H’ level. This appointee will also serve as the Mission Director for the National One Health Mission, a comprehensive, multi-ministerial initiative.The financial implication, approximately Rs. 35.59 lakhs annually, underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s health defense. The Director’s role will be instrumental in leading the mission, focusing on early detection through strengthened research and development.With recent global health challenges such as Nipah, avian influenza, and the ongoing battle against SARS-CoV-2, the need for a unified and interconnected approach has never been clearer. Animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease also impact the economy and food security, necessitating a holistic strategy.The National One Health Mission, involving collaboration across 13 Government Departments, aims to address health challenges comprehensively. It seeks to achieve ‘Health and Wellness for All’ by integrating efforts in human, animal, and environmental health. The mission will develop a roadmap for targeted research and development, covering vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, monoclonals, and genomic tools.This initiative marks a significant leap forward, positioning India at the forefront of integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness. The National Institute of One Health is set to play a pivotal role in fortifying the nation’s resilience against emerging health threats.
Union Cabinet Nods to National Institute of One Health: A Unified Front Against DiseasesMarch 1, 2024
