Huballi's Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) is set to get a new state-of-the-art viral research and diagnostic laboratory following an MoU signed on Friday between the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi and the Director of KIMS Hospital, Hubballi.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the new lab is a result of efforts by former Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who approved the project after a request was made for its establishment in Hubballi. The 27-gunta facility will be fully funded by the central government and is estimated to cost around 16 crores, he said.

This new addition comes as part of a larger initiative to improve disease control and research across India. The NCDC, which already has branches in eight locations nationwide, is looking to address the challenge of evolving infectious diseases like H1N1, N1H1, Covid, chikungunya, and Nipah. With the establishment of lab, there willl be no delay in diagnosis. Due to lack of local testing facilities often worsen the condition of patients and increase the risk of mortality, he said.

Hubballi's KIMS Hospital is one of several institutions chosen to participate in the Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. This will be a Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL3) facilities, it is a matter of pride that KIMS was selected among four mobile labs and nine institutional labs intended to establish across the country, said Joshi. 

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda for approving the new lab, Dharwad MP, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said he is eager to perform bhoomi pooja and hold the foundation stone laying ceremony as soon as possible.

The new lab is expected to be completed within 18 months and will significantly boost Hubli's capacity to diagnose and combat infectious diseases.