Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, led the discussions at the recent Governing Council Meeting of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), where significant strides in medical research were celebrated and future strategies were outlined. Joining him was Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, who also contributed to the discussions.

During the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya commended ICMR’s relentless efforts in advancing medical research, emphasizing the government’s unwavering support towards healthcare innovation. He particularly lauded initiatives such as the MedTech Mitra program, aimed at fostering the development of affordable indigenous medical devices, and stressed the importance of fostering collaborations between the government and private sectors to drive innovation in healthcare.

Assuring continued government backing, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the commitment to accelerating research and innovation in the country’s healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Pawar echoed these sentiments, applauding ICMR’s progressive initiatives and highlighting the crucial role of collaboration in targeted research efforts, especially in the context of providing AI-based health solutions to remote areas.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director-General of ICMR, shed light on upcoming initiatives, including the groundbreaking ‘First in the World Challenge.’ This initiative aims to fund high-risk, high-reward research projects by Indian scientists, thereby fostering a culture of innovation in the medical research landscape.

Among the key achievements discussed during the meeting was a remarkable four-fold increase in government investment in medical research over the past decade. This increased funding has enabled ICMR to extend its reach through the National Health Research Program, conducting solution-oriented mission mode research in 12 priority areas across over 100 districts nationwide.

Furthermore, ICMR’s efforts in fostering interdepartmental collaborations with esteemed institutions such as NITI Aayog, CSIR, and ICAR were highlighted. These collaborations have led to joint initiatives like the National One Health Mission, AYUSH-ICMR trials, and the establishment of Centers for Advanced Research (CAR), dedicated to promoting benchtop testing and clinical evaluation.

ICMR’s commitment to nurturing the innovation ecosystem of the country was emphasized, with initiatives such as establishing centers of excellence at seven IITs and launching the MedTech Mitra program. The latter, in collaboration with NITI Aayog and CDSCO, aims to support innovators in developing indigenous medical devices through strategic guidance and regulatory facilitation.

Lastly, ICMR’s focus on workforce strengthening was underscored, with over 1200 vacancies in scientific, technical, and administrative cadres being successfully filled in the past year.

In essence, the Governing Council Meeting underscored the government’s dedication to advancing medical research and fostering innovation in healthcare delivery, positioning India as a frontrunner in the global healthcare landscape.

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