New Delhi: In response to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, India is establishing 13 new quarantine centres at major international airports. These facilities will be designated for isolating individuals showing symptoms of diseases that could potentially trigger an outbreak.
According to sources in the Health Ministry, the construction of these quarantine centres is being funded by the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), a special initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2021.
“The program focuses on strengthening health system capacities at all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary—and enhancing preparedness for effectively managing current and future pandemics or health emergencies,” said a ministry official.
Quarantine involves the separation and restriction of individuals who may have been exposed to infectious diseases but are not yet showing symptoms, to prevent further transmission.
Public health experts emphasize that the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many travelers from affected countries were quarantined, highlighted the urgent need to reinforce quarantine infrastructure and establish robust protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Additionally, a task force created by NITI Aayog to devise a framework for pandemic preparedness has recommended the creation of specific legislation to better manage public health emergencies.
