The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has selected Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) to house South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL). This facility will be part of seven proposed IRDLs across the country.
Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education, commended BMCRI for its recognition, citing its credibility and service to all sections of society as key factors in ICMR’s decision. The establishment of an IRDL within the state will facilitate faster testing of infectious disease samples, particularly during outbreaks, support in-depth research, strengthen medical institutions, and boost disease surveillance efforts.
Special emphasis will be placed on building capacity in bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology, improving diagnostic accuracy, identifying and treating infections, and researching emerging strains. Additionally, Dr. Patil inaugurated several new facilities, including a state-of-the-art DSA cath lab at the Trauma Care Centre, a new 260-seat auditorium at Minto Hospital, and a 150-seat auditorium at the Trauma Care Centre, Victoria Hospital, the latter named in honor of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The minister also upgraded the Trauma Care Centre to Level-1 status, signifying the highest level of surgical care for trauma patients, and designated the Department of Orthopaedics as a Centre of Excellence for Joint Replacement, a recognition by the state government. Furthermore, he unveiled a new logo for Victoria Hospital to mark its 125th anniversary.
Minister Patil emphasized that with the IRDL now in Bengaluru, there will be no need to send samples to other states for confirmation, as research on infectious diseases will be conducted locally. The central government is working to establish more IRDLs in medical colleges across the nation, focusing on virology, bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology research.
On 9th January, Patil also inaugurated the Moniz Cath Lab suite at the Trauma & Emergency Care Centre (TECC) in Victoria Hospital, which features eight beds along with pre-cath and post-cath wards, providing enhanced care for patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
