BRIC-RGCB has played vital role in fending off Ebola outbreak, says Health Minister

Trivandrum / June 23, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, June 23: Minister for Health and Devaswoms, Shri K Muraleedharan, has stated that the research facilities at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) have played a crucial role in preventing the Ebola outbreak in the state.

During his visit to BRIC-RGCB’s Akkulam campus here last evening, Shri Muraleedharan said the institution plays a major role in the state's health sector.

Noting that a ‘Healthy Kerala’ is the government's aim, the Minister said the state-of-the-art facilities at BRIC-RGCB are a blessing for the government in achieving its goal.   

“We could conduct an Ebola test in 12 hours here after sending the samples from Kozhikode. In four hours, we found it’s negative before the final results came from the lab in Pune,” he said.

Applauding the scientists and researchers, the Minister stated that no second Ebola suspect case has been reported in the state.

Shri Muraleedharan also toured the campus facilities including BSL3, National Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors and Malaria Research laboratory.

During the occasion, Dr Beena Pillai, Director of BRIC-RGCB, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the remarkable growth and significant achievements of BRIC-RGCB.

Delineating the research work on cardiovascular disease, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, and Malaria, Dr Pillai said that in the future, BRIC-RGCB will also address rising mental health challenges as in 2050 one in five Indians will be a senior citizen. 

She also explained the AI-driven design of RNA and protein-patentable biomanufacturing products. Dr Pillai said that, as part of cancer research, BRIC-RGCB has collaborated with premier cancer research institutions such as the Cochin Cancer Research Centre.

In his presentation, Dr Radhakrishan R, Head, Grade I Virology LMMD (Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics), explained about infectious disease testing facilities at BRIC-RGCB.

Scientists, research professionals, academicians and students attended.

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