India Takes Lead In Preventive Healthcare With Launch Of Asia’s First Pre-clinical Network Facility

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday launched Asia’s first health research-related Pre-clinical Network Facility under the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology in Faridabad.

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The facility, known as the Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMic), aims to serve as a repository for delivering microbial cultures to research institutes, universities, and enterprises for research and development. It will also facilitate national and international collaborations among academic institutions, hospitals, and industry, and serve as a repository for genetically characterized pathogen-free animals.

Dr. Singh praised India’s progress in preventive healthcare, despite limited resources, and highlighted the crucial role played by the institute during the Covid pandemic and vaccine development. As an endocrinologist, he also expressed concern over the rising prevalence of lifestyle and metabolic diseases in the country.

The launch of this facility solidifies India’s position as a frontline nation in preventive healthcare, and is expected to boost research and development in the field.