The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guwahati formally inaugurated the Viral Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), a state-of-the-art facility established with financial support from the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The laboratory, which will be contributing significantly to diagnostic and surveillance activities, was formally dedicated on Thursday, marking an important institutional milestone. The VRDL was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, in the august presence of Prof. U.S.N. Murty, Director, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati. The ceremony was attended by senior faculty members, clinicians, scientists, administrative officials, and technical staff. Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik highlighted the strategic role of the VRDL in strengthening early diagnosis, laboratory-based surveillance, outbreak preparedness and research on viral and other emerging infectious diseases, particularly in the North-Eastern region. He expressed confidence that the laboratory would effectively fulfil its mandate under the national DHR-VRDL network and contribute meaningfully to public health preparedness.
The Executive Director also interacted with the faculty and technical team, reviewed laboratory operations, and assured full institutional support to address any operational or logistical challenges to ensure efficient functioning in the interest of patient care, surveillance, and research. Prof. U.S.N. Murty, Director, NIPER Guwahati, appreciated the initiative and expressed willingness to collaborate with AIIMS Guwahati in areas of pharmacogenomics and translational research, fostering mutually beneficial academic and research outcomes. The VRDL at AIIMS Guwahati is equipped with advanced serology platforms such as ELISA, CLIA, multi-plate readers, and automated systems, along with cutting-edge molecular and genomic diagnostic technologies including conventional and real-time PCR, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and Oxford Nanopore sequencing systems. Further expansion and technological upgradation are planned as part of its future roadmap. The laboratory is expected to play an important role in diagnostics, disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, research, and capacity building, while providing critical laboratory support for timely clinical decision-making.