Nadda Highlights ICMR’s Key Contribution to Advancing India’s Healthcare Research

New Delhi: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, JP Nadda, commended the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for its transformative role in India’s health research landscape. Speaking virtually at the DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2024 in New Delhi, which also celebrated ICMR's 113th Foundation Day, Nadda emphasized the council’s century-long commitment to tackling India’s health challenges.

“Today, we honor ICMR’s over 100 years of dedicated work in health research, which has significantly improved the lives of millions,” said Nadda. He credited ICMR for being a crucial force in addressing some of the nation’s most pressing health issues, noting its extensive contributions in areas such as infectious disease, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. From fighting tuberculosis and malaria to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, ICMR has been a consistent leader in biomedical research, leaving a lasting impact on public health.

ICMR’s work in developing solutions for non-communicable diseases, nutrition-related health issues, and maternal health reflects its holistic approach to tackling health concerns across various domains. Nadda recognized the organization’s achievements in advancing scientific knowledge and innovative solutions that have shaped India’s health policy framework.

The Summit also saw accolades from other prominent leaders in healthcare and research. Anupriya Patel, the Minister of State for Health, described ICMR as a “pioneer in scientific research and innovation.” She acknowledged its critical contributions to fostering a robust research culture and supporting advancements that improve healthcare outcomes. Meanwhile, Dr. V.K. Paul, Health Member of NITI Aayog, highlighted ICMR’s role in propelling India toward becoming a global leader in health research, emphasizing that the organization’s contributions are pivotal to achieving this vision.

A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of ICMR’s groundbreaking "First in the World Challenge" research grant, an initiative designed to inspire innovative thinking and foster out-of-the-box ideas in health research across India. This unique funding program invites researchers to propose pioneering concepts and cutting-edge health technologies that have not been explored, tested, or implemented anywhere else. The grant encourages the development of breakthrough solutions, including novel vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions, in response to pressing global health needs.

The ICMR stated that the new research grant draws inspiration from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which recently made history by landing on the Moon’s south pole. Like the lunar mission, the "First in the World Challenge" aims to encourage bold ideas and scientific advancements, calling on researchers to take on projects that challenge the frontiers of existing medical knowledge.

In his concluding remarks, Nadda reiterated the importance of a unified national approach to health research, with organizations like ICMR setting the standard. “ICMR’s enduring dedication to addressing critical health issues and fostering innovation exemplifies its vital role in transforming India’s healthcare landscape,” he said. As India continues to face complex health challenges, ICMR’s commitment to scientific research will play a crucial role in improving healthcare accessibility and quality across the nation.

Through initiatives like the "First in the World Challenge," ICMR not only supports domestic research capabilities but also positions India as a leader in the global scientific community, advancing solutions that have the potential to impact healthcare worldwide.