PUDUCHERRY: Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan on Tuesday stressed the need for advanced research and innovation, the adoption of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomics, and stronger institutional collaboration to address emerging public health challenges.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC) here, the Lt Governor said the world was confronting new and complex public health challenges driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, population movement and changing ecosystems, all of which were influencing the spread of vector-borne diseases. He noted that new vectors and disease patterns were emerging, making the role of specialised institutions such as the VCRC increasingly critical.
Kailashnathan said the Government of India, through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), had consistently supported the VCRC, underscoring the country’s commitment to science-led public health solutions. As the Lt Governor of Puducherry, he assured continued cooperation and support from the Union Territory to the prestigious institution in its mission to achieve a vector-borne-disease-free India.
Highlighting the Centre’s global impact, he said the VCRC had made significant contributions to international disease elimination efforts, particularly in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other global agencies.
The Lt Governor also paid tribute to eminent scholars and administrators who had shaped the institution over the decades by strengthening its scientific foundations, expanding its national role and fostering a culture of integrity and excellence.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy said Puducherry was proud to host premier disease control institutions such as JIPMER and the VCRC in the Gorimedu area, and added that a new Siddha Medical College was also coming up in the locality.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor released four books documenting the institute’s growth and research initiatives.
Legislative Assembly Speaker R Selvam, Chief Secretary Sarath Chauhan, Health Secretary Yasin M Choudhary, VCRC Director Dr Manju Rahi, besides scientists and students, were present.
