Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for Gujarat’s first Bio-Safety Level-4 (BSL-4) lab and an Animal Bio-Safety facility in Gandhinagar. This project, costing Rs 362 crore, will be the first BSL-4 lab run by a state government in India. The lab, designated as the “National Centre for High Containment Pathogen Research Facility,” aims to enhance India’s health security.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia attended the ceremony. The Union Department of Biotechnology handed over a Letter of Intent during the event, marking a significant milestone in India’s bio-safety infrastructure. Union Minister Shah emphasized the lab’s role as a shield against deadly viruses and a key asset in India’s biomedical landscape.
The new laboratory is set to boost research opportunities for global-standard scientists and young researchers. Union Minister Shah highlighted the growth of India’s biotechnology sector, underscoring its potential in vaccine development and reducing dependency on foreign testing. He also stressed the lab’s contribution to India’s biotech evolution towards global leadership.
With a focus on combating zoonotic diseases, the lab aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s One Health Mission. Chief Minister Patel hailed the lab as a crucial step in fortifying India’s pandemic response capabilities. The facility’s operationalization in Gujarat is expected to expedite virus research, leading to improved diagnostics and a more robust health system.
