Which of the following institutes was chosen by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in January 2025 to establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL)?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI)

Explanation:

• In January 2025, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) selected BMCRI to host the first IRDL in South India.
• The Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) will focus on advanced diagnosis and research of emerging viral and bacterial infections.
• This facility will act as a regional hub for epidemic preparedness and surveillance in the southern states.
• The laboratory is expected to be equipped with BSL-3 level infrastructure to handle high-risk pathogens.
• This initiative is part of ICMR's plan to strengthen the pan-India network of diagnostic labs for public health emergencies.

• BMCRI is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical colleges in India, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research.

• A prominent medical institute in Hyderabad but not the specific site chosen for South India's first IRDL in 2025.

• A major research university in Chennai, often collaborating with ICMR, but was not the primary lead for this specific IRDL launch.

• CMC Vellore is globally recognized for its virology research, but BMCRI was the designated institute for this January 2025 ICMR initiative.