India Conducts First National Mock Drill "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas"

By A Staff Reporter

Ajmer, Rajasthan: Under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), a comprehensive national mock drill named "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" (Virus War Exercise) was conducted in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan from August 27 to August 31, 2024. The exercise aimed to assess the nation’s preparedness and response capabilities for pandemic situations.

The drill involved a simulated outbreak of a zoonotic disease, designed to test the readiness and coordination of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT). This team comprises experts from diverse sectors, including human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach needed for effective outbreak management.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, lauded this first-of-its-kind exercise. He emphasized the importance of the One Health Mission in fostering collaboration among different sectors to holistically address the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. He highlighted the need for sustainable and comprehensive strategies to tackle health emergencies in an interconnected world.

The "Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas" exercise marks a significant step in strengthening India’s preparedness for potential pandemics, reinforcing the importance of integrated efforts across various sectors to ensure a robust response to health crises.