India is setting up 13 new quarantine centres at international points of entry, such as airports, to isolate travelers showing symptoms of diseases with outbreak potential.
The initiative is funded under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021. According to a health ministry official, the program aims to strengthen health systems at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and enhance preparedness for current and future pandemics or disasters.
Quarantine, defined as the isolation and movement restriction of individuals potentially exposed to infection, plays a critical role in preventing the spread of diseases.
As reported by economictimes, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for robust quarantine facilities and effective protocols to control disease transmission. Experts have emphasized the importance of strengthening such infrastructure to prepare for future health crises.
Additionally, an expert group under Niti Aayog has recommended the creation of a legal framework dedicated to managing public health emergencies. These measures collectively aim to bolster India’s readiness to respond to potential pandemics.