NDRF to set up spl. unit to deal with pandemics

Learning from the experience of the devastation caused by Corona, Home Ministry plans to set up a highly specialised Division within the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to deal “exclusively with pandemics.”

As of now the mandate given to NDRF allows it to deal with all “natural and manmade disasters” like cyclone, floods, earthquake, chemical or gas leakage, building collapse etc. The NDRF is a highly specialised force and has been fully trained and equipped to deal with such disasters.

But now the Home Ministry is planning to set up a high specialised unit within the NDRF which will also deal with pandemics like Corona or other diseases. This will not only allow NDRF to have spcialised medical teams but also the necessary infrastructure to set up health facilities at a short notice.

Home Ministry sources said they were examining the proposal and looking into the legality whether it will have to approach the Union cabinet for sanction or the new division can be set up through an executive order itself. Senior officials said the devastation caused by Corona’s second wave has also been a huge learning curve for Central agencies. Shortage of oxygen, critical medicine, ventilator and hospital beds had led to a massive health crisis across the country as Corona cases registered a massive surge during the second wave.

So what the Home Ministry now plans is to put in place what is being described as a “modern and professional unit” that can deal with all health related pandemic in future. Even now both central para-military forces and defence forces had worked over time in setting up temporary hospitals and health car facilities, transporting oxygen and other essential items. But now the government proposes to have a dedicated agency which will anticipate, prepare and provide all necessary assistance during the such health crisis.

Senior Ministry officials argued that NDRF is an extremely competent agency with tremendous experience of dealing with natural or manmade disasters. Now with additional resources in terms manpower and equipment, the Force will be able to handle these health crisis and Home Ministry has started working in that direction, officials said.