The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has witnessed a remarkable surge in budgetary allocation over the past decade, marking a significant commitment by the government towards advancing health research in the country.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, during the Governing Council Meeting of the ICMR, highlighted this four-fold increase in funding as a testament to the government's dedication to promoting medical research and development.
The meeting, attended by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar, aimed to discuss recent achievements, explore ongoing initiatives, and chart a strategic course for future medical research endeavors.
Mandaviya commended the ICMR for its pivotal role in driving medical research forward and emphasized the synergy between government support and the council's relentless efforts.
He underscored the importance of adapting to evolving trends to ensure India's prominence in global medical innovation. The minister particularly lauded the MedTech Mitra initiative, aimed at nurturing indigenous medical device development in collaboration with the private sector, and stressed the significance of partnerships between government and private entities in fostering innovation.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, outlined upcoming initiatives, including the 'First in the World Challenge', designed to fund high-risk, high-reward research projects by Indian scientists.
This initiative seeks to promote innovative biomedical solutions and boost confidence among Indian researchers. The government's commitment to medical research is further evident through the National Health Research Programme, which aims to conduct solution-oriented research in priority areas across the country.
The ICMR has also fostered collaboration with various institutions, including NITI Aayog, CSIR, IITs, and DBT, resulting in joint initiatives such as the National One Health Mission and AYUSH-ICMR trials.
Furthermore, the establishment of centers of excellence at IITs and ICMR-Centres for Advanced Research (CAR) underscores the commitment to bolstering India's MedTech sector and promoting AI-based health solutions.
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission of promoting employment, the ICMR has successfully filled over 1,200 vacancies in scientific, technical, and administrative roles within the past year.
This concerted effort reflects the council's dedication to fostering talent and driving innovation in the field of medical research. Overall, the ICMR's initiatives, backed by increased government support, signal a transformative phase in India's healthcare landscape, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in medical science.
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