Question : Setting up of Virology Institute in Kerala

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the number of virology institutes and research centres functioning in the
country, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has received any request from the Government of Kerala or from any other quarter for setting up of a new virology institute/ laboratory in the State;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government in this regard;

(d) whether the Government has given any financial assistance to the State of Kerala for setting up of a new virology institute/laboratory in Kerala; and

(e) if so, give details and the present status of implementation of the project?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): A National Institute of virology is functioning at Pune, Maharashtra, with its four field stations at Kerala, Mumbai, Gorakhpur and Bangalore. Apart from this, details of 95 viral Research and Diagnosis Laboratories, State/UT-wise sanctioned by the Deptt., are given in annexure.

(b): No such request has been received in the current year.

(c): Does not arise.

(d) & (e): Financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 12.49 cr. has been given to following four Institutes in Kerala, for setting up VRDLs from 2014 to 2018:

1. Govt. Medical College, Trivandrum (Operational)

2. Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode (Operational)

3. Govt. Medical College, Thrissur (Operational)

4. National Institute of Virology Field Unit at Alappuzha (under process)