The recent Governing Council Meeting of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed a dynamic organization actively steering medical research and innovation in India. Here’s a deeper look into their strategic roadmap:
Witnessing a fourfold increase in government investment over the past decade, ICMR has significantly expanded its reach. The recently launched National Health Research Program exemplifies this growth, tackling crucial health issues across 12 priority areas in over 100 districts nationwide.
Recognizing the potential of collaboration, ICMR fosters partnerships with prominent institutions like NITI Aayog, CSIR, and IITs. These collaborations have yielded impactful initiatives such as the National One Health Mission, which addresses public health concerns at the human-animal-environment interface. Additionally, joint clinical trials, faculty development programs, and the “Paalna Scheme” for child health research exemplify ICMR’s commitment to collaborative efforts.
To propel India’s medical technology sector and encourage AI-based healthcare solutions, ICMR has established centres of excellence at IITs specifically focused on product development. Additionally, five ICMR-Centers for Advanced Research (CAR) support crucial stages like benchtop testing, pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, and validation. These initiatives aim to bolster the “Make in India” movement within the medical technology sector while promoting AI-powered healthcare solutions.
Aligning with the government’s recruitment drive, ICMR has significantly strengthened its workforce by filling over 1200 vacancies in scientific, technical, and administrative positions within the last year. This bolstered capacity positions ICMR to effectively undertake ambitious research endeavours.
The meeting also highlighted ICMR’s forward-thinking approach. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director-General of ICMR, announced the “First in the World Challenge,” a groundbreaking initiative that aims to fund high-risk, high-reward research by Indian scientists with novel ideas. This initiative underscores ICMR’s focus on fostering a culture of innovation and propelling India’s position as a global leader in medical research.
By combining increased investment, expanded reach, collaborative efforts, and a focus on fostering innovation, ICMR is well-positioned to address India’s critical health challenges and contribute significantly to the global medical research landscape. The organization’s commitment to empowering its workforce and supporting future-oriented research further underscores its dedication to advancing healthcare and well-being for all.
