Why India Needs a Culture of Medical Research- Prof Dr Tarun Kumar Sahni

When the first doses of India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, rolled out in January 2021, it marked more than just a public health milestone. It was a reminder of the power of medical research to save lives, strengthen national capacity, and elevate a country’s standing on the global stage. The same was true when India eradicated polio, or when biomarkers like ProBNP and Procalcitonin moved from research papers into routine clinical practice.

These are not isolated triumphs. They prove that when research is prioritized, healthcare transforms. And yet, despite India’s enormous clinical base, diverse disease burden, and strong scientific talent, medical research remains more an exception than the norm.

A Sea of Opportunity, Held Back by Inertia1

India is uniquely positioned for high-impact medical research. With a population of 1.4 billion people, unmatched genetic diversity, and the dual challenge of infectious diseases and rising non-communicable conditions, the opportunities for discovery are immense. Every hospital, clinic, and laboratory has the potential to contribute.

Yet what we see instead is a troubling gap between potential and performance.

A culture of “research inertia” pervades many medical institutions. For young doctors, research often feels intimidating or secondary to clinical service. Seniors, burdened by patient loads, may themselves see little incentive to pursue or mentor research. Add to this limited funding, bureaucratic red tape, and an academic system that values the number of publications over their quality, and it becomes clear why India struggles to fully harness its strengths.

The Breadth of Possibilities

The misconception that research is the preserve of elite institutes must be dismantled. In truth, opportunities exist across every level of healthcare.2 Areas particularly suited to India include:

• Clinical Research: Drug and device trials using large, diverse patient cohorts.
• Epidemiological Research: Studying TB, diabetes, and other public health trends.
• Translational Research: Converting lab discoveries into bedside interventions.
• Traditional Medicine: Validating Ayurveda and Yoga for evidence-based integration.
• Digital Health and AI: Applying telemedicine and machine learning in care delivery.
• Policy and Systems Research: Exploring financing and delivery models to reduce inequities.

Indian Success Stories

India already has examples of research that changed practice and policy. The ICMR–INDIAB Study shaped the national NCD program. Rotavac, the indigenous rotavirus vaccine, reduced severe childhood diarrhoea — a disease that kills nearly 200,000 Indian children every year — and is now part of the Universal Immunization Programme. Polio eradication and COVID-19 vaccine development further show how research can deliver both national and global impact.

These successes prove that Indian research can thrive when given support and direction

Research and Publications: The Academic Backbone

Research and publications are the backbone of academic and scientific progress. They involve systematic data collection, rigorous analysis, and thoughtful interpretation aimed at advancing knowledge.

India contributes around 5% of global scientific publications, yet the impact factor of much of this work remains low compared to countries like the US and China. Prolific, high-quality publication in reputable journals enhances credibility, fosters collaboration, and influences policy. Encouraging such output is essential for overcoming research inertia and inspiring younger professionals.

Breaking the Cycle

To unlock India’s research potential, systemic reforms are needed:

• Capacity Building – Integrate research training into MBBS and MD curricula.
• Incentives and Recognition – Reward quality publications and impactful studies.
• Streamlined Regulations – Adopt single-window clearance for trials.
• Protected Research Time – Ensure clinicians have dedicated hours for research.
• Funding and Infrastructure – India invests 0.7% of GDP in R&D, compared to 2.4% in the US and over 2% in China. Scaling is critical.
• Collaborative Networks – Expand nationwide consortia like the INDIAB study.
• Visibility and Dissemination – Strengthen platforms such as INDMED and MedIND.
• Mentorship and Leadership – Build structured guidance systems for young researchers

Why It Matters

The impact of research is visible in vaccines, diagnostics, affordable therapies, and health policies. A nation that underinvests risks dependency, importing knowledge instead of generating it.

India currently ranks third in the world by number of published papers but much lower in citation impact. Increasing both investment and quality will ensure we move from being consumers of knowledge to producers of it.

Towards a Research-Driven Future

India’s healthcare story is often framed around shortages and inequities. But there is another narrative waiting to be written — one in which India emerges as a global leader in medical research, not despite its challenges but because of them.

By embedding research into the DNA of medical institutions, celebrating curiosity alongside clinical service, and equipping young professionals with skills and mentorship, India can create a virtuous cycle of discovery and impact.

The question is not whether India can afford to invest in medical research. The real question is whether we can afford NOT TO . For in the long run, research is not just about publishing papers — it is about saving lives, shaping policy, and building a healthier future for generations to come.

In the famous words of Nelson Mandela "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is merely passing time. But vision with action can change the world."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.