Press Note

VRDL AIIMS Nagpur Shines at National VRDL Conclave 2025, Wins the Best Medical College Level VRDL Award.

The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur has been conferred the Best Medical College Award (Silver Category) at the prestigious National Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Conclave 2025, held on 11–12 September 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The conclave was inaugurated by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Health, and Family Welfare, in the presence of Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR; Dr. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, DHR; and Dr. Nivedita Gupta, Scientist-D, ICMR.

The VRDL Awards were presented in three categories—Regional Level, State Level, and Medical College Level—to recognize excellence in diagnostic capability, research, and innovation. AIIMS Nagpur’s VRDL received the Medical College Level Award after a comprehensive evaluation of its testing capacity, NABL accreditation status, quality assurance practices, scientific research and publications, expenditure utilization, training and human resource development, technological innovations, , and advanced sequencing and culture facilities.

This milestone achievement stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Prof. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director, AIIMS Nagpur, whose strategic guidance has been pivotal in advancing the institute’s research ecosystem and positioning it as a premier Centre of excellence in diagnostics, innovation, and public health preparedness. The award was received on behalf of the institute by Dr. Meena Mishra, Professor & Head, Department of Microbiology and Principal Investigator, VRDL; Dr. Omkar Awdhiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine; and Dr. Rashmi Pillay, Research Scientist, VRDL. During the conclave, Dr. Meena Mishra also presented AIIMS Nagpur’s “Best Practices” in VRDL functioning, highlighting the laboratory’s preparedness for emerging infectious threats and its contributions to national health security.

Established in March 2021, the VRDL at AIIMS Nagpur has evolved into a robust diagnostic and research hub, driven by a dedicated team comprising: Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Vishal Shete, Faculty: Dr Neeta Gade, Dr Soumyabrata Nag. Dr. Pooja Shendre, Research Scientists: Dr. Rashmi Pillay, Preeti Shahu, Research Assistants: Shivani Jha, Shailendra Parihar,  Laboratory Technicians: Pooja Dagade, Divya Talkhande, Data Entry Operator: Deepa Turankar, Multi-Tasking Staff: Nikhil Khayate

This recognition underscores AIIMS Nagpur’s scientific excellence and unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure, in alignment with the nation’s vision of building a resilient, self-reliant health system through innovation, diagnostics, and research.

Dr Prashant P.Joshi Executive Director &CEO, AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Meena Mishra Professor & Head, PI-VRDL AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Vishal Shete Co-PI VRDL AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Swati Bhise, Dr Soumyabrata Nag, Dr Prachala Rathod, Dr Pradeep Kumar V, Dr Priyanka Singh, Dr Rashmi Pillay, Preeti Shahu, Shivani Jha, Shailendra Parihar,  Pooja Dagade

Dr Prashant P.Joshi Executive Director &CEO, AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Meena Mishra Professor & Head, PI-VRDL AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Vishal Shete Co-PI VRDL AIIMS Nagpur, Dr Omkar Awadhiya,Dr Rashmi Pillay, Preeti Shahu, Shivani Jha, Shailendra Parihar,  Pooja Dagade