Niti Aayog Member Urges Immediate Pandemic Preparedness: Focus on Research, Strategy

• Dr. V K Paul, Niti Aayog member, emphasized proactive research on priority pathogens for future pandemic preparedness at IMTECH's 42nd foundation day.
• He highlighted governance, surveillance, research, and partnership as crucial cornerstones for a robust future pandemic strategy.
• Dr. Paul stressed developing countermeasures up to Phase II clinical trials, industry collaboration, efficient supply chains, and demonstrating speed for India's mitigation strategy.
• He lauded IMTECH's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including RT-PCR testing, vaccine development, and antiviral screening.
• Scientists must be ready with strategies and countermeasures within the first 100 days of an outbreak, according to Dr. Paul.

Why It Matters: Niti Aayog member Dr. V K Paul calls for immediate, proactive research and strategic planning to tackle future pandemics.