New Delhi: The Department of Health Research (DHR) of the Union Health Ministry has successfully implemented a 100 Days Program, which includes initiatives in healthcare innovation, pandemic preparedness, and the development of indigenous medical technologies, a PIB release stated. The program is part of the government’s goal to build a healthier, more resilient, and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
Some of the key achievements of the 100 Days of Health Innovation program include the launch of the National One Health Mission (NOHM) to tackle diseases at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. According to the release, the mission is instrumental in India’s long-term health security by creating a safe and healthy environment for all.
The establishment of the National Network of BSL-3 Laboratories across different ministries to strengthen the nation’s preparedness for future pandemics, is another achievement. Over 20 labs across different ministries have been networked.
Third, the conduct of a mock drill of H5N1 “Vishanu Yudh Abhyas,” with multiple stakeholders from 27th to 31st August in Ajmer District of Rajasthan, to successfully conduct a mock drill of H5N1, aiming to strengthen detection of the emerging hotspots of infections and conduct timely investigation for prevention and control.
Another important initiative is the launch of a programme for the development of indigenous drugs for rare diseases reducing the cost of treatment for conditions like Muscular Dystrophy and Gaucher’s Disease.
The government has taken several initiatives to transform the healthcare system in the country and make it more future-proof, the release added. These include the creation of the Centre for Evidence-Based Guidelines to help standardize medical practices nationwide and the establishment of the Research to Action vertical in the Department of Health Research to ensure the timely implementation of research findings into policy and practice.