Introduction
This is a Central Sector (CS) Scheme approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) Chaired by Secretary (Expenditure) & Finance Secretary in the meeting held on 20th March, 2013. Approval of the CCEA was accorded on 27th June, 2013 at an estimated cost of Rs.646.83 crores for the 12th Plan period. Later approval of Standing Finance Committee (SFC) was accorded on 19.09.2017 at an estimated cost of Rs 488.5 crores for 14th Finance Commission Period (2017-18 to 2019-20). The scheme was further extended by one year till 31stMarch, 2021 in order to tie it up with the 14th Finance Commission Period. The Scheme has been further reviewed by SFC and approval at the total cost of Rs. 324 Crore for its continuation during 15th Finance Commission from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Objective of the Scheme
- Creating infrastructure for timely identification of viruses and other agents causing morbidity significant at public health level and specifically agents causing epidemics and/ or potential agents for bioterrorism.
- Developing capacity for identification ofnovel and unknown viruses and other organisms and emerging/ re-emerging viral strains and develop diagnostic kits.
- Providing training to health professionals.
- Undertaking research for identification of emerging and newer genetically active/modified agents.
- Continual improvement in quality systems in public health laboratories for viral diagnosis.
Status of the Scheme
The scheme was envisaged to ensure nationwide coverage for timely diagnosis and identification of viral and emerging pathogens during outbreaks and epidemics, while generating reliable data to support rapid public health response and resource deployment. Over the years, the VRDL network has expanded into a comprehensive national diagnostic and surveillance platform, supporting outbreak management, molecular diagnostics, biosafety strengthening, and research on emerging infectious diseases.The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Scheme, implemented by the Department of Health Research (DHR), has become a critical pillar of India’s public health system. A total of 165 VRDLs (11 Regional, 27 State, and 127 Medical College level) have been operationalized across 26 States and 5 Union Territories, ensuring timely and equitable access to advanced viral diagnostics. The scheme was approved for continuation during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26) with a target to establish 42 additional VRDLs.
VRDL Scheme Guidelines
- VRDL Guidelines - Setting up of Nation-Wide Network of Labs Download (605.86KB)
- VRDL Guidelines for Developement of tools Download (407.17KB)
Related Documents
- Memorandum of Agreement Download (404.79 KB)
- Equipments list and Specifications Download (432.44 KB)
- Qualifications of VRDL Staff Download (68.05 KB)
- VRDL Performance Report Download (284.55 KB)
Success Stories
- Scientific Achievements Download (136.37 KB)
- VRDL Network in India Download (130.25 KB)
- Diagnostic Algorithms
Officials of the VRDL scheme
| # | Name | Designation | Email Address | Phone | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Coordinator for VRDL Network | ||||||
| Dr. Nivedita Gupta | Scientist G, ICMR | ngupta[at]icmr[dot]org[dot]in | 8447509008 | |||
| Technical Teams: | ||||||
| Dr. Jitendra Narayan | Scientist D, ICMR | jitendra[dot]narayan[at]gov[dot]in | 9479812381 | |||
| Dr. Neetu Vijay | Scientist D, ICMR | drneetu[dot]vijay78[at]nic[dot]in | 9312456584 | |||
| Dr. Kamal Singh | Scientist C, DHR | - | 7018265630 | |||
| Dr. Arpna Srivastava | Scientist C, DHR | - | 9971569530 | |||
| Dr. Shiwangi Gupta | Scientist C, DHR | - | 8527592002 | |||
| Administrative Team | ||||||
| Shri Murari Lal Sharma | Director | ml[dot]sharma66[at]nic[dot]in | 011-23736218 | |||
| Shri Sanjeev Singh | Under Secretary | sanjeev[dot]singh81[at]nic[dot]in | 011-23736902 | |||
| Ms. Satinder Kaur | Administrator Officer | dhrpmuvdl2[at]gmail[dot]com | 011-23736228 | |||
