Union Health Minister JP Nadda unveils five new ICMR health research initiatives
- In Reports
- 12:08 PM, Oct 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda today launched five major health research initiatives under the Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) as part of the government’s 100-day agenda. These initiatives are designed to position India at the global forefront of health research and innovation, aligning with the nation’s goal of a “Viksit Bharat,” according to an official release.
“These groundbreaking initiatives exemplify our commitment to a healthier and more self-reliant India,” said Nadda. “By fostering indigenous innovation and investing in advanced research, we are equipping our nation to tackle pressing health challenges effectively.”
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the DHR and Director-General of ICMR, highlighted the potential global impact of the new programs. “Initiatives like the ‘First in the World’ Challenge will empower our scientists and innovators to develop cutting-edge technologies that can benefit not just India but the entire world,” said Dr. Bahl. “We are committed to fostering an environment where research thrives, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a stronger global standing in medical research for our nation.”
One of the flagship projects introduced today is the “First in the World” Challenge, an ambitious high-risk, high-reward research and development scheme. Inspired by the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, this program aims to propel India’s healthcare technology forward by funding projects from initial concept stages through to prototype and final product development.
In alignment with the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the ICMR has also launched a significant upgrade to existing Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs), transforming them into Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (IRDLs). This expansion will strengthen India’s diagnostic capabilities beyond virology to include bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology, thereby enhancing the country’s ability to conduct comprehensive surveillance and rapid response to infectious disease threats.
Another key initiative is the creation of the ICMR Data Repository, which will serve as a centralised and secure platform for high-quality health data, ensuring data integrity and privacy while making it accessible for research purposes. This data platform is anticipated to be a significant resource for ongoing and future health research projects.
The UNNATI Initiative (Upgrading Norms for Nutrition, Growth, and Development Assessment of Indian Children) was also launched, aiming to establish India-specific growth and development standards for children. This project addresses limitations in the existing World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarks, providing data and standards more relevant to Indian children’s unique growth patterns.
In addition, the ICMR announced a focused initiative to develop affordable and effective therapies for rare diseases, including Gaucher Disease and Sickle Cell Disease. The initiative is already supporting various stages of research, from clinical trials to animal studies, to reduce dependency on imported treatments and make healthcare for rare diseases more accessible within India.
These projects, part of the government’s broader health research agenda, reflect a comprehensive approach to elevating India’s position in global health innovation, as stated in the official release.
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