The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that a blend of three quasi-subspecies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are currently circulating within India. Despite this, scientists have not yet identified a distinctively Indian strain of the virus. The primary sources of COVID-19 cases in India have been identified as individuals with a history of travel and their immediate contacts, suggesting the virus was imported from overseas. In response, the government has assembled a Science and Technology Empowered Committee to facilitate cooperation between science agencies, researchers, industries and regulatory bodies relating to the COVID-19 response.
Imported Variants of SARS-CoV-2
The imported variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus identified in India have shown no divergent behavior in comparison to how they behaved in their places of origin. The primary source of COVID-19 cases in the country are found to be from travelers and their immediate contacts, which suggests the initial arrival of the virus on Indian shores came from overseas.
The Science and Technology Empowered Committee
The Indian government has constituted a Science and Technology Empowered Committee to coordinate the response to COVID-19. This committee will work closely with multiple departments including the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Institute for Science (IISC). Their primary role is to facilitate agile decision-making on research and development, specifically focusing on increasing the testing facilities for the COVID-19 virus.
About the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) represents the pinnacle of biomedical research in India, and is responsible for formulating, coordinating and promoting such research. The ICMR was initially established in 1911 under the name of the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA), before being renamed as the ICMR in 1949. The council is funded by the Indian government through the Department of Health Research, which falls under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
On-Going Monitoring of COVID-19
Monitoring and research continue to be integral in managing the spread of COVID-19 in India. Through the work of the ICMR and other bodies, the government aims to effectively coordinate strategies to combat the virus. With the identification of three quasi-subspecies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in circulation, research bodies remain on high alert, working tirelessly to prevent a significant second wave of infections.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
With imported cases forming the bulk of infections, a focus on travel and border controls will be vital to prevent future outbreaks. The learnings from this pandemic will play a crucial role in shaping policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of all citizens. Cooperation between various scientific, research, and governmental bodies will continue to be vital long after this current public health crisis has abated.
By taking an informed, science-led approach, supported by the collective expertise of various authorities, India continues its fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through effective planning and comprehensive research, the goal remains to keep the spread of the virus under control, while minimizing the impact on the health, wellbeing, and daily lives of the population.