Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said, India has moved far beyond the limitations of a decade ago in epidemic preparedness and has built a vibrant bioeconomy, strong vaccine development capabilities and a scientific ecosystem capable of contributing to global preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics.

The Minister said this while addressing a high-level evening reception for the Board and Investors Council of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in New Delhi today. Dr. Singh said India can contribute to the global repository of biomedical solutions for emerging health threats.

He added that the country is now well positioned to contribute its scientific capabilities, research infrastructure and disease diversity to the global preparedness architecture, while simultaneously strengthening its own capacity to respond rapidly to emerging health threats. Dr. Singh also called for greater collaboration among the government, academia, industry and international partners to ensure that scientific capabilities are translated into deployable solutions.