ICMR left indelible mark on India's healthcare landscape, says Shri JP Nadda
New Delhi: The Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) yesterday hosted the DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit 2024 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
This milestone event marked ICMR's 113th Foundation Day and celebrated over a century of the institution’s commitment to advancing biomedical research in India.
The Summit featured distinguished leaders in the healthcare and research sectors, including the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda (through video message); the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel; Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Dr. V.K. Paul and Secretary DHR & Director General ICMR, Dr. Rajiv Bahl.
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Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, addressed the gathering (through video message) and stated “ Today, we celebrate over a century of ICMR’s unwavering commitment to advancing health research and improving the lives of millions. ICMR has been at the forefront of biomedical research, playing a pivotal role in addressing some of the most critical health challenges.
From combating infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19, to advancing solutions for non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and nutritional disorders—ICMR has left an indelible mark on India’s healthcare landscape.”
The Union Health Minister congratulated the distinguished honourees, the entire ICMR family and stated that “As we move forward, let this recognition be a reminder that every effort matters and that there are always new opportunities to shine. I am happy to share that now onwards, ICMR will continue this tradition of recognising research excellence during the annual celebration of its Foundation Day. He wished that “ Together, let us forge ahead in our mission to build a healthier and stronger India”.
Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare while inaugurating the summit stated that “ICMR has long been a pioneer in advancing scientific research and innovation in India, with a decorated history of contributions to the country’s biomedical and scientific fields. She added that “ as we work towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, DHR-ICMR’s leadership in research and innovation, through its Extramural and Intramural programs, continues to drive transformative progress in healthcare. India’s scientific landscape is undergoing a tectonic shift, and today is a fitting moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of our researchers in building a healthier, more prosperous, and self-reliant India.”
MoS added that today is a day to remember the countless lives that have transformed by the contributions of ICMR and appreciated the team of DHR-ICMR for dedication and commitment. She said that recognising these contributions will inspire future generations.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog said that “ the advancements we are witnessing today in innovation and research will not only address the pressing health challenges of our time but will also position India as a global leader in health research.
This collective effort is laying the foundation for a healthier future and ensuring that India takes its rightful place at the forefront of scientific innovation and healthcare excellence.” Congratulating the entire team of ICMR for their achievements he said that added that each day our aim should be to move towards the goal of viksit bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR and Director General ICMR, stated, “The DHR-ICMR Health Research Excellence Summit underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where impactful research flourishes. The achievements we celebrate today are the result of the collective efforts of India’s dedicated researchers, institutions, and support teams. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of them for their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and helping build a healthier and more prosperous India.”
The event also witnessed the launch of several significant initiatives designed to bolster ICMR’s contributions to healthcare innovation. Notable among them was the Research Infrastructure Sharing Ecosystem (I-RISE) Policy which is a collaborative platform for expanding access to ICMR’s extensive laboratory and research network to foster healthcare innovation. I-Drone initiative of ICMR, which was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 29th October, 2024 on the occasion of Ayurveda day, was also demonstrated today by Ms. Anupriya Patel through a virtually operated sortie at PHC, Yadadri Bhavunagari, Telangana.
The Summit also saw the launch of the ICMR History Book, a comprehensive chronicle detailing over a century of ICMR’s achievements and contributions to India's healthcare landscape. Alongside this, new Guidelines on Intellectual Property Policy, CSR Funds, and Technology Transfer were introduced, establishing a robust framework to drive innovation, encourage collaboration, and optimize resource allocation.
The Summit celebrated exemplary contributions to medical research by recognizing distinguished researchers from ICMR’s institutes and ICMR-supported medical colleges and research institutions across India.
Recognitions were given to individuals and teams for Best Research Paper, Best Innovation, Best Team Research and Best Ph.D. Student, as well as institutional distinctions including Best ICMR Institute, Best Extramural Institute, Best Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Best Model Rural Health Research Unit, Best Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, and Best Health Technology Assessment Centre.
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