Union Health Ministry to set up NCDC branch in J&K

Srinagar, Feb 26: In a significant move aimed at bolstering disease surveillance and response capabilities, the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, is set to establish a National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) branch in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative marks the first such facility to be established in the region, officials confirmed.
NCDC serves as the pivotal agency in the country for disease surveillance, playing a crucial role in preventing and controlling communicable diseases. Equipped with the capacity for disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and rapid response, NCDC is instrumental in containing and combating outbreaks effectively.
Following the approval of the Administrative Council, Secretary Revenue G Prasanna Ramaswamy has sanctioned the transfer of 7 kanals of land for the establishment of the NCDC branch in Jammu. The formalities, including land identification and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), are underway to facilitate the setting up of NCDC.
An order issued by the Revenue Department states, “Sanction is hereby accorded to the transfer of land measuring 07 Kanal 250 Sqft. under situated at Kot Bhalwal, Tehsil Bhalwal, Jammu in favour of NCDC, New Delhi, Under Rule 310 of General Financial Rules, 2017 without any cost for establishment of the NCDC.”
Emphasizing the importance of utilizing the land for public purposes, the order stipulates adherence to all relevant provisions of laws pertaining to Revenue, Forest, J&K Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010, and Housing & Urban Development Department.
Furthermore, it mandates compliance with directives issued by the High Court of J&K or any other competent court regarding land usage. The department responsible has been directed to take possession of the land within 30 days from the transfer order, ensuring its utilization within three years, failing which the land reverts back to the government.
The establishment of NCDC branches nationwide aims to strengthen outbreak surveillance and facilitate swift responses. Officials highlight that the NCDC branch will play a crucial role in monitoring, surveillance, rapid response, outbreak investigations, capacity building, referral, and diagnostic services, equipped with sophisticated equipment to address diseases of public health importance, including emerging and re-emerging diseases.